Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Scaloni Opens Contract Talks as Argentina Prepares Messi Farewell
Lionel Scaloni is the coach of Argentina’s national soccer team.
He once suggested he might leave, but now says he is willing to discuss staying.
His contract ends in December.
He must first talk with Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentine Football Association.
The coach says many things, including money and sporting plans, must be considered.
Lionel Messi is expected to play his final game for Argentina in a friendly against Benin.
Scaloni praised Messi and said there may never be another player like him.
Scaloni is also giving young players a chance as the team prepares for the future.
Lionel Scaloni said he is willing to negotiate an extension with the Argentine Football Association.
Scaloni’s contract expires in December, and he plans to speak with Claudio Tapia in the coming days.
Argentina’s upcoming friendlies include Lionel Messi’s expected final appearance for the national team.
Messi is retiring internationally as Argentina’s leading scorer, with 125 goals, including 21 in World Cups.
Scaloni has begun a squad transition by calling up several young players after veteran retirements.
- Who
- Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina coach, and Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, will discuss Scaloni’s future.
- What
- Scaloni has opened the possibility of extending his contract, while Argentina prepares for Lionel Messi’s expected final national-team match.
- When
- Scaloni’s contract expires in December; Argentina’s friendlies are scheduled for September 30, October 3 and October 6.
- Where
- The discussions concern Argentina’s national team, with matches planned in Córdoba province and Buenos Aires.
- Why
- Scaloni wants to assess financial, sporting and other conditions before deciding whether to continue.
Scaloni Could Continue
Scaloni Could Depart
Contract decision
Scaloni Could Continue
Scaloni said there is a desire to remain Argentina coach and a willingness to sit down and negotiate an extension.
Scaloni Could Depart
Scaloni said he does not have to cling to the job forever and that an agreement depends on several conditions.
Conditions for renewal
Scaloni Could Continue
A continuation could be reached if Scaloni and Claudio Tapia agree on the financial, sporting and other aspects he identified.
Scaloni Could Depart
Scaloni said the renewal depends on “a bit of everything,” leaving the possibility that no agreement will be reached.
- Scaloni’s contract
- Expires in December.
- Recent Argentina achievements
- The team won the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles.
- Messi’s farewell match
- The friendly against Benin is expected to be Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina.
- Messi’s national-team goals
- 125 goals, including 21 in World Cups.
- Upcoming opponents
- Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
- New captain
- Cristian Romero is taking over the armband following Messi’s international retirement.
- Squad transition
- Scaloni has called up several young players following the retirements of Messi, Nicolás Otamendi and other players.