Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly close to extending his contract until 2030. Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo reports that the extension is expected soon, while GOAL says the coach and the association have reportedly reached a verbal agreement.
Contract timeline
Scaloni's current deal expires at the end of December. If he had stepped down at the end of that contract, the friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica scheduled for mid-November would have been his last games in charge.
What Scaloni said after the final
Scaloni left his future open after the World Cup final defeat against Spain in July. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final in July.
The 48-year-old said at the post-final press conference: "I will speak to the association president. I don't know if I have the energy to do it again."
What the extension would mean
As things stand, Scaloni is expected to lead Argentina at the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup. Lionel Messi ended his international career after the World Cup this summer, and in early October he made his farewell appearance in a 3-0 friendly win against Benin.
Games and titles in charge
Since February 2018, Scaloni has coached the national team. He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Scaloni has overseen 105 Albiceleste matches, winning 81 and losing just 10.