{
  "id": 9188895,
  "title": "Argentina players urge coach Lionel Scaloni to stay amid contract talks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/argentina-players-urge-coach-lionel-scaloni-to-stay-amid-contract-9188895",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T19:44:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/argentina-players-urge-coach-lionel-194413851.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Argentina's national team players have expressed their unwavering support for coach Lionel Scaloni amid discussions over his contract. Midfielder Nicolás Paz, who received his debut under Scaloni, stated, “He is one of the most important coaches.” Veteran defender Cristian Romero echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Scaloni as the key figure in building the team. Other players, including defender Leonardo Balerdi and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, described the situation as a privilege and highlighted the manager's impact on their happiness. Goalkeeper Juan Musso noted the team's admiration and affection for Scaloni, given his successes and the legacy he built over 104 matches, including Argentina’s 2022 World Cup title. Since assuming the role eight years ago, Scaloni has overseen a historic run, with a 76-18-10 record. The 48-year-old has not spoken publicly since returning to Argentina, but he is set to address the media in a press conference next Tuesday before the team’s opening friendly against Bolivia. The upcoming international window will also see the farewell match for captain Lionel Messi.",
  "summary": "While coach LionelScaloni continues to mull over his future at the helm of Argentina's national team, his players have left no doubt about where they stand. “For me, he is one of the most important coaches,\" midfielder Nicolás Paz said upon arriving in Buenos Aires on Tuesday for training camp. Scaloni, whose contract is set to expire in December, had hinted at stepping down following Argentina’s…",
  "key_points": [
    "Players support coach Lionel Scaloni amid contract talks.",
    "Nicolás Paz and Cristian Romero praise Scaloni's importance.",
    "Scaloni has led Argentina to 2022 World Cup victory."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Argentina players urge coach Lionel Scaloni to stay amid contract talks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/argentina-players-urge-coach-lionel-scaloni-to-stay-amid-contract",
        "published": "2026-09-22T19:45:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}