Scaloni extends contract as Argentina head coach until 2030

Argentina national football team head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on Thursday that he will extend his contract to remain in charge until at least the 2030 World Cup. The announcement was made during a press conference prior to Argentina's upcoming matches against Uruguay and Costa Rica. Scaloni expressed his enthusiasm for continuing in the role, stating he was "happy" to stay as the national team's head coach.

He added that he had reviewed the squad with his coaching staff and concluded that there was sufficient talent to pursue further competition. If he remains in the position through the 2030 tournament, he would become the first Albiceleste head coach to oversee three World Cups. The Argentina team will be without star player Lionel Messi, who retired from international football in October.

Scaloni emphasized that the team's playing style would remain consistent, as his players continue to display the same level of intensity. A series of matches are scheduled for Argentina, including a Friday showdown against Uruguay at La Bombonera and a Tuesday contest against Costa Rica at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba.

The news of Scaloni's renewed contract follows a period of uncertainty surrounding his future at the helm of the Argentine national team, following their 2026 World Cup final defeat. In the wake of that loss, Scaloni himself questioned his continued tenure, expressing doubts about assembling another successful team. He also announced that long-time assistant Walter Samuel would be leaving the coaching staff, expressing gratitude for Samuel's contributions.