Lionel Scaloni: his continuity, Messi's absence, Cuti Romero as captain, and the transition of the National Team

The Argentine National Team is going through a transitional phase after the 2026 World Cup and, before returning to the field against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, Lionel Scaloni faced questions about the team's future. The coach acknowledged that he has already started discussions to extend his contract, although there is still no agreement, and reviewed many of the challenges that the national team will face ahead.

His Continuity

The renewal was one of the main topics of the conference. Scaloni explained that the discussions have just begun and that there is still a long way to go to reach an agreement. "We were also talking to see if we could move forward, to reach an agreement. The intention is there from both sides. And we just started talking", he stated. Additionally, the coach emphasized that there is no imminent announcement, although he made his position clear: "The important thing is that the desire is there".

On the other hand, he explained that one of the central factors in deciding his continuity depends on the sporting possibilities of the project. "Analyzing what we have left, what is coming. And we are excited about that. And that is the most important thing and what has decided me", he maintained.

In that sense, he was emphatic in explaining what would have happened if he had not found a scenario to continue competing at the highest level: "Otherwise, to be honest, if I didn't see the possibility of being able to compete and build something nice as we did, I wouldn't have opened the chance to sit down and talk".

For now, he also did not confirm when his future will be officially known. "I don't see the timing as it is for now, but well, it will depend a lot on reaching an agreement", he noted.

A Team Without Messi and the New Holder of the 10

The absence of Lionel Messi in these matches and in those that will come after his official farewell from the National Team against Benin raised another major question of the conference. The Santa Fe coach acknowledged the weight of the captain but also highlighted that the team has already shown it can respond when he is not present. "Any team in the world that has a player like him, becomes indispensable and in our case, it is so, but luckily in the matches he has not been, the team has responded", he analyzed.

The idea for this stage will be to take advantage of the friendlies to explore different tactical variations. "We will also look for ways to play differently, why not? That’s what these matches are for, to try", he explained. Among the possibilities, he mentioned playing "with two forwards, with three forwards, with three center-backs, with different things that can help us in the future". Nevertheless, he made it clear what identity he intends to maintain for the team: "Our football goes through the ball, through gathering people who play well".

Regarding the Rosario star, the native of Pujato also referred to the number 10 jersey. "Until it is Leo's match, we will not give it to anyone. And then we will know from that match to whom we will give it", he clarified. According to him, it is still not defined who will wear that number in the future: "The idea is for it to be kept by someone who appreciates how beautiful it is to wear it. For now, we have not decided".

The Leadership That Messi Will Leave

The succession of Messi will not be limited to a footballing issue. Scaloni was also asked about how to replace the leadership that the captain exercised for so many years. "It is undeniable that, first of all, beyond the player, I have always said what he generated inside and outside the field, I have not seen that in anyone else. Imagine how difficult it will be, there is nothing like it, the feeling he generates", he affirmed.

For the coach, the answer should come from the group and not from the emergence of a single reference. "We are not looking for a leader, we are not looking for a teammate to be afraid of, we are not looking for positive people, good people, and we believe there are those types", he explained.

When Will Messi Arrive in the Country?

Scaloni also provided details about Messi's arrival for this FIFA date. He explained that the captain will arrive after the Albiceleste's match against Burkina Faso. "Leo is coming in principle this weekend, after the match on the 3rd, but if he wants to come to play on the 3rd, he can, no problem", he commented.

Cuti Romero, New Captain

Scaloni also confirmed that Cristian “Cuti” Romero will be the captain of the National Team in this phase, accompanied by Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez within the hierarchy of references.

Regarding the characteristics he expects from the defender, he noted that he will have to assume greater responsibility due to the role he will have within the squad. "The behavior is unique because everyone will want to imitate him and he will logically have to improve in many areas. As we all know, Cuti is a player who is sometimes too eager, let's say, not to say anything else, and he will have to improve that because he will be the captain and everyone will be watching him", he expressed.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that he trusts him: “He has to accept that responsibility, he accepted it, and we believe he can carry it out”.

Walter Samuel and Doubts Within the Coaching Staff

Another name linked to the future of the cycle is Walter Samuel. Scaloni recalled that the former defender decided to stay with the National Team during the previous cycle despite having a job offer. "The big guy already showed us what the selection represented last year, when he had already received an offer from Inter to work with Chivu and a show of greatness, he stayed with us until the World Cup", he highlighted.

Scaloni mentioned that he currently has no news about his decision, although he left open the possibility that Samuel could take another path after the World Cup. "For now, I have no news, and it is true that he has the doors open", he stated. He added: "So there will be no problem, logically if that is the case, for us it is a very important loss, and we will see what happens if he is not here. But above all, he is a friend, and I always wish him the best".

The Renewal and New Call-ups

The renewal of the squad also took an important place. Scaloni valued the young players who were called up again and highlighted the follow-up work that exists on them. "They are kids who show they want to be here, they have a great desire, and we will give them the opportunity to play, I don't know if from the start or for a minute, but the important thing is that they can contribute". The coach also defended the need to give space to the new generations: “The renewal is mandatory, it is mandatory”.

In this call-up, there are several players who have not yet debuted in the senior team, a trend that, according to Scaloni, will continue as long as the players respond to the required level. “Always with the mindset knowing that we give nothing away to anyone and that they have to debut because they truly deserve it and because they have trained well as has happened this week”, he affirmed.

Paredes and the Future of the Veterans

One of the players who will not be in these commitments is Leandro Paredes. Scaloni assured that the midfielder is still part of his plans. "How could Paredes not belong to the national team?", he expressed. He added: "Especially for what he has given us and because he is a veteran and because we particularly want him".

Regarding the sanction that prevents him from playing these matches, he was clear: "The sanction was not good, that is what needs to be said, but unfortunately we cannot count on him.” Nevertheless, he left the door open for his return: "But when he is available and if he is at this level, he is a great player, that is undeniable".

The Finalissima and the Calendar

The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain also came up in the conference. Scaloni acknowledged that he has no information regarding it: "No, I have no idea about that, to be honest, and with the calendar situation, imagine, I don't know", he commented. Regarding the possibility of playing it in the short term, he was equally cautious: “So I don’t see it for now.”

The calendar was, in addition, one of the few points that, according to Scaloni, could not be resolved since the beginning of his cycle. Remembering a reflection from César Luis Menotti, he stated: "Well, I believe everything has been resolved except for the calendar, the calendar is impossible". In that context, he insisted on the need to take care of the players and coordinate with their clubs.