The possibility of Lionel Scaloni continuing at the helm of the Argentine National Team generates strong expectations within the Argentine Football Association. The organization seeks to ensure the permanence of the coach who lifted the World Cup while beginning to outline the next cycle, now without the presence of Lionel Messi once the 2026 tournament is over.
For president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, renewing the coach born in Pujato is the number one priority. He made this clear in an interview with TyC Sports after the World Cup, when he emphasized that “Lionel Scaloni is option A, B, and C.” This statement summarizes the official stance of the AFA, which is working to finalize an agreement for the next World Cup cycle.
The negotiations are led by Tapia himself, who insists that the coach represents the natural continuity of the successful project. However, recent journalistic reports paint a less clear picture. Journalist Gustavo Yarroch from Radio La Red indicated that the coach's permanence is currently in suspense.
The accumulated wear and tear after years of constant demands and the lack of official definitions regarding his immediate future largely explain why the situation has not yet been resolved. While the leadership advances in discussions, Scaloni maintains public silence and his definitive stance is unknown.
A new cycle without Messi
The departure of Lionel Messi from the national team marks a turning point. The AFA is already thinking about a different stage, with a renewal of names and a technical leadership that provides stability. In that framework, Scaloni appears as the ideal figure to maintain the playing identity and the team spirit that has been built over the last few years.
Tapia has been working discreetly to convince the coach to stay. The idea is to avoid any power vacuum and ensure that the squad does not lose the direction that took them to the highest level. Even so, circulating reports indicate that the coach is evaluating his own personal and professional moment before giving a response.
