Scaloni's Argentina future unresolved as players urge their World Cup-winning coach to stay

Lionel Scaloni’s future as Argentina head coach remains unresolved, with the 48-year-old still in negotiations with the Argentine Football Association over a contract extension beyond its December expiry date — even as his players made their wishes unmistakably clear during the latest training camp in Buenos Aires.

Midfielder Nicolas Paz set the tone on arrival. “For me, he is one of the most important coaches,” Paz said. “He gave me my debut, and I hope he stays.” Veteran defender Cristian Romero reinforced the message: “We hope he stays. He is the key figure in building this national team, so obviously we want him to continue.”

The sentiment ran through the entire squad. Defender Leonardo Balerdi called it “a privilege” if Scaloni remains, while Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni said the manager “gave everything to the national team in recent times and made all Argentines very happy.” Goalkeeper Juan Musso added: “Given the success he’s had and what he built with this team, we hold him in high regard and have great affection for him.”

Scaloni has been in charge for eight years, overseeing one of the most dominant stretches in international football. His record across 104 matches stands at 76 wins, 18 draws and just 10 defeats. He guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and back-to-back Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024, and orchestrated a 36-game unbeaten run — the longest in Argentine history.

His future became a live question after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in July, following which Scaloni hinted he might step down. He has not spoken publicly since returning to Argentina, but is scheduled to address the media at a press conference next Tuesday ahead of a friendly against Bolivia in Córdoba.

The upcoming international window carries additional emotional weight. Argentina will host friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin between September 30 and October 6, with the final fixture at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires serving as an official farewell for captain Lionel Messi following his announcement of international retirement.