Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni renews contract to stay on for third World Cup in 2030

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has extended his contract with the national team until 2030, positioning him as the first manager to lead La Albiceleste at three World Cups. The 48-year-old Scaloni guided Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup and to a runner-up finish in the 2023 edition, following a loss in the final to Spain.

His tenure also saw Argentina win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles. However, after the 2023 loss to Spain, Scaloni had expressed uncertainty about his future. Messi, the star player who has been crucial to the team's success under Scaloni, has since retired from the national team. The coach, who initially took over on an interim basis in 2018, expressed gratitude for the support he received, particularly from the fans, and emphasized his desire to continue bringing joy to the fans by winning more World Cups.

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia hailed the decision as the best outcome for Argentine football. Scaloni now aims to oversee Argentina's transition through a new generation of players following Messi's retirement and the departure of several veteran players. Young talents such as Nicolás Paz, Franco Mastantuono, and Valentín Barco are expected to receive greater opportunities in the coming years.

No player will wear Messi's No. 10 jersey during the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica, as the team has yet to decide on the jersey's future holder.