Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed during a press conference in Ezeiza that the decision to reach a new agreement and continue leading the Albiceleste is firmly in place, easing uncertainty regarding his long-term future ahead of a series of upcoming international friendlies.
Scaloni Confirms Intent to Extend AFA Agreement
Speaking at the Lionel Andrés Messi high-performance training facility in Ezeiza before the team’s final training session, Scaloni addressed his contract status with the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The manager emphasized that his primary motivation remains rooted in a personal desire to keep working with the squad. “The decision to reach an agreement and continue is there,” Scaloni stated, adding that “the most important thing is having the desire to be able to keep going.”
Preparation for Friendlies Against Bolivia and Benin
The remarks precede a three-match friendly slate for the reigning world champions, opening with a fixture against Bolivia in Córdoba on Wednesday. The schedule concludes next Tuesday with a match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, an event set to feature a formal farewell for captain Lionel Messi from the national setup.
Scaloni clarified that he has not spoken directly with Messi regarding his coaching future since the forward’s arrival in Argentina for the final match. Dismissing notions that squad influence would dictate his tenure, Scaloni noted, “[The continuity] doesn’t depend on whether the players ask me to stay or not. It wouldn’t change things if he asked me to,” acknowledging his overall comfort level with the current setup by simply stating, “I’m fine.”
