Argentina Moving to Renew Scaloni's Contract, With a Path to Stay Until the 2030 World Cup

Talks to renew Lionel Scaloni's contract with Argentina are progressing positively. If all goes well, the new deal could be finalised during the FIFA international break next November. He may initially receive two more years, and the deal itself would include an option to extend further, which could keep him in Argentina's dugout until the 2030 World Cup.

According to a TyC Sports report, the new contract would also carry the opportunity to extend the term by another two years. In that case, after the 2028 Copa America, the term could be extended so Scaloni stays in charge of Argentina until the 2030 World Cup. However, the contract has not yet been officially finalised, so an official announcement will still take some time.

In the November international break, Argentina will play two friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica. The world champions will face Uruguay at La Bombonera and Costa Rica in Cordoba. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) hopes to reach an agreement on Scaloni's renewal during that very break.

Recently, after Lionel Messi's farewell match against Benin, Scaloni spoke about his own future. He said then that if everything went properly, he would continue as coach. At the same time, he said there was still no new news about his future. The progress of the current talks has largely removed that uncertainty.

Alongside Scaloni, Argentina also wants to retain the current coaching staff. Under him, the team won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the Qatar World Cup and the 2024 Copa America. The team also finished runners-up at the 2026 World Cup. This run of success is what makes the AFA keen to keep the same coaching structure.

There is, however, some uncertainty over assistant coach Walter Samuel. Scaloni is trying to persuade him to continue. Before the latest international break, he said there was no doubt Samuel was extremely important, that he was also his friend and he wanted the very best for him; if Samuel wanted to take a decision, he should be given that opportunity.

Scaloni also believes Samuel leaving would be a big loss for the team. In his words, the door is open for Samuel; if he wants to leave there will be no problem, but his absence would be a big loss, and what happens next remains to be seen. Scaloni's comments show that keeping his assistant is now an important part of the new contract talks.

After Jorge Sampaoli left following the 2018 Russia World Cup, Scaloni took charge of Argentina as interim coach in September that year. Under him, the team turned around. Winning four major titles, he took Argentina to a new height of success, on a journey that began amid much scepticism.

If the new contract is finalised, Scaloni's tenure as Argentina coach will reach ten years after the 2028 Copa America. A decade in charge of a national team is a rare event in modern football, and for Scaloni it would be a continuing recognition of his success.

If the extension option is exercised, this coach could also be in Argentina's dugout at the 2030 World Cup. All eyes are therefore on the November international break: alongside the matches against Uruguay and Costa Rica, that break may settle Argentina's coaching future for the years ahead.