Argentina renews Scaloni’s contract until the 2026 World Cup

BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Coach Lionel Scaloni will continue to lead the Argentina team through to the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed on Monday.

The renewal of the world champion coach’s contract for another four years was made official by a message published on the AFA’s social networks: “CONFIRMED, there is Lionel Scaloni for a moment.” The technician himself responded to the ad.

Details of the deal were not disclosed.

Scaloni’s tie with the AFA had ended after winning the World Cup in Qatar on December 18, and negotiations took longer than expected due to economic differences between the parties.

The deal was finally sealed on Monday at a meeting held by AFA President Claudio Tapia and Scaloni in Paris hours before the FIFA The Best awards ceremony. Scaloni, 44, is nominated for best coach of the year.

“When trust is high, communication is easy and effective. We continue to strengthen the national teams project, alongside Lionel Scaloni, the DT world champion,” Tapia said on his Twitter account in which he uploaded a photo of the two, smiling, having tea in Paris.

Tapia later told the TyC Sports channel that it is “very important to have the continuity of the coaching staff that made us world champions” and that they also won the Copa América in 2021.

“The best thing that can happen to the Argentine Football Association is to have the continuity of this project with Scaloni,” Tapia said.

Scaloni took charge of the Albiceleste at the end of 2018 under a shower of criticism for his lack of experience, since he had never managed a professional team. Although he arrived as a temporary worker, he was confirmed in his role a year later.

The strategist changed negative opinions by winning the Copa América, his country’s first senior team title in 28 years. Then he obtained the Finalissima against Italy champion of Europe.

Captain Lionel Messi and other team bosses have spoken publicly in favor of Scaloni’s continuity and highlighted the work of the coach and his assistants in preparing for World Cup matches, which Argentina won after beating France 4-2 in the final in a penalty shootout.

Argentina’s first engagement after the world title will be on March 23 with a friendly match against Panama to be played at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.