The Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, left his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste up in the air after the 1-0 defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Although his contract with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) extends until December and there was a verbal agreement to renew it until after the 2030 World Cup, the 48-year-old coach confessed that he needs time to decide his future.
“I already have an idea of what I want to do, I will fulfill the contract and then I will see. I feel the need to think, because I don’t know if something as big as this can be done,” declared Scaloni in the press conference after the meeting.
Visibly moved, the coach burst into tears while thanking the AFA president, Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, for his support, who opted for him in 2018 despite his lack of experience as a technical director. The journalists present responded with applause as a sign of recognition.
During his successful cycle, Scaloni led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, as well as the 2022 Finalissima. In North America 2026 he again led the Albiceleste to the final, although this time they lost to a solid Spanish team.
“We have tried until the last moment to give our best as a coaching staff and players. I think it is fair that I can take this time and think about it,” he expressed.
The coach admitted that leading Argentina has been a dream come true, but acknowledged that to continue he needs to find new motivations and rebuild a competitive group.
“To continue, a lot of things are needed, especially to reset and form a group like this, which will hardly be formed again, and it hurts my soul,” he said through tears.
The conference ended earlier than expected due to the deep emotion of Scaloni, whose continuity at the head of the Argentine team is now shrouded in uncertainty after the world runner-up finish.
