Argentina Finalizes Lionel Scaloni’s Contract Extension Through 2030 World Cup

Lionel Scaloni is set to remain Argentina’s head coach through the 2030 World Cup. The coach and the AFA have reached a verbal agreement to extend his contract beyond its December expiration date.

Talks began as soon as Scaloni arrived in Argentina for the September and October FIFA window, and the agreement was reached on Wednesday between all parties.

The deal has not been signed or made official yet, and an announcement could come in the coming days or during the November international window. The AFA’s goal is for Scaloni to lead the team until the end of 2030, which would allow him to coach his third World Cup, after Qatar 2022 and North America 2026.

Scaloni’s resolve to stay became evident after Lionel Messi’s farewell match against Benin, when he indicated that he would continue as coach if circumstances allowed. Since taking the interim reins in September 2018, he has managed Argentina in 105 matches, securing 81 victories, 14 draws and just 10 losses. He has lifted four major trophies: the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup championship in Qatar.

Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina. (Getty Images)

Argentina’s next matches

Argentina will open the post‑Messi era with two friendlies during the November FIFA window. The side will meet Uruguay on Nov. 13 in Buenos Aires and Costa Rica on Nov. 17 in Córdoba, providing Scaloni his first opportunity to evaluate new talent without the captain.

Argentina are already qualified as hosts, along with Paraguay and Uruguay, who will stage matches in the tournament that celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Even so, they will take part in the South American qualifiers as a wild card, which will give Scaloni more competitive matches as he rebuilds the squad. With the contract situation close to being settled, the coach will have time to build a new generation around the world champions.

Source link