Lionel Scaloni signed a contract extension to remain head coach of Argentina through the 2030 World Cup, securing the manager who led the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar, Diario AS reported.
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, announced the agreement ahead of a World Cup qualifying fixture against Uruguay, ending uncertainty regarding the manager’s future after his previous deal was set to expire in December.
Claudio Tapia en conferencia de prensa junto al entrenador de la #SelecciónMayor: "Es un día muy especial para toda la familia del Fútbol Argentino, vamos a anunciar la continuidad de Lionel Scaloni al frente del cuerpo técnico de la Selección Argentina".
“It is a very special and very important day for the AFA,” Tapia said during the announcement. “We are going to officially announce the renewal of Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff for the period up to 2030.”
Scaloni took charge on an interim basis following the dismissal of Jorge Sampaoli in September 2018, later earning the permanent position after a strong run of results. Since that debut against Guatemala on September 8, 2018, he has managed 107 matches, recording 83 victories, 14 draws, and 10 losses, according to ESPN Colombia.
Under his leadership, Argentina captured four major titles: the 2021 Copa América against Brazil, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar against France, and the 2024 Copa América against Colombia. He also guided the team to the final of the 2026 World Cup.
Tapia said that Scaloni will become the manager with the most World Cup tournaments directed for Argentina, surpassing César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, who each managed two.
Lionel Scaloni: “Estoy feliz por la renovación aunque no sean buenos momentos familiares. Esto me llena”. pic.twitter.com/3olEpC0nCy
The new cycle presents an unprecedented challenge for the national team following the definitive international retirement of Lionel Messi. Scaloni addressed the tactical transition during a press conference covered by infobae, explaining that the team will maintain its core philosophy while incorporating younger players.
“There is no way to seek to play without him; now we will try to make a similar game but with different alternatives,” Scaloni told reporters, according to records published by the AFA.
Lionel Scaloni renovó su contrato con Argentina y se va a convertir en el primer DT en la historia del país en dirigir tres Mundiales. pic.twitter.com/Us5zQOJlBC
Reflecting on his decision to continue, Scaloni admitted that the emotional toll of the recent World Cup final required time to process. “The blow of not winning the final is hard, it forces you to see what is coming and recharge your batteries,” he said, noting that reviewing young talent convinced him to stay.
DSports reported that Samuel will leave his role following the November international window, which includes fixtures against Uruguay and Costa Rica.
“Eternal gratitude to a friend, I wish him the best,” Scaloni said of Samuel during the press conference.
Argentina returns to the pitch on November 13 for the fixture against Uruguay.
