Scaloni to stay on as Argentina coach until 2030 World Cup

BUENOS AIRES - Argentine national football team coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed his commitment to remain in charge until after the 2030 World Cup, ending speculation that had been ongoing since their World Cup final loss to Spain in July. The 48-year-old manager's decision was announced by Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia during a press conference alongside Scaloni. Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming project.

In a statement a month after Lionel Messi, Argentina's leading player for two decades, retired from international football, Scaloni stated that this new chapter had begun. Argentine Football Association president Tapia revealed that when his contract ends, Scaloni will hold the record for the most World Cups as Argentina's manager.

Scaloni's tenure had been marred by doubts after Argentina's narrow 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final held in New Jersey. The manager had previously shown reservations about his future with the team following Argentina's elimination from the Russia World Cup in the round of 16. Scaloni, who took over as coach in September 2018, built the team into one widely regarded as the best in Argentine history. He guided Argentina to two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Looking ahead, Scaloni faces the challenge of leading the team forward without Messi, the 39-year-old star player. Emphasizing the importance of team spirit and unity, Scaloni expressed his thoughts after their World Cup final loss to Spain.