Scaloni to Lead Argentina into the Post-Messi Era as Contract Extension Runs to the 2030 World Cup

Lionel Scaloni is set to remain in charge of the Argentina national team for the long term, into the post-Lionel Messi era. Argentina are very close to finalising the renewal of his contract, and talks between the two sides are progressing in a highly positive direction.

The deal could be completed during the upcoming FIFA international break in November. In that window Argentina will face Uruguay at La Bombonera and Costa Rica in Cordoba, so a final decision on the coaching staff's future may come alongside the team's on-field preparations.

After Lionel Messi's farewell match against Benin, Scaloni himself said, 'If everything goes well, I will continue as coach.' At the time he also said there was 'still no new news' about his continuity. Soon afterwards it emerged publicly that Scaloni is very close to signing a new contract to remain in charge of the national team.

The new contract will initially run for two more years, with an option to extend for a further two years. After the 2028 Copa America it will work almost like an automatic clause, extending the term until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

If that happens, it will be Scaloni's third consecutive World Cup in charge of the national team. Another notable point is that one of that World Cup's opening matches will be played in Argentina itself. The task of rebuilding the team in the new era without Messi therefore stays with this familiar and successful coach.

The plan is to retain the same coaching staff that led the team to victory in the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, as well as to the runners-up finish at the 2026 World Cup. Argentina do not want to break up the group behind that run of success.

Behind the scenes, however, they are trying to keep Walter Samuel as his assistant coach. Just before the last FIFA international break, the head coach said, 'There is no doubt that, as well as being extremely important, he is my friend. I want the best for him. If he wants to make a decision, he deserves that opportunity.'

Scaloni also hinted at a psychological approach. In his words, 'If he wants to go, he will be allowed to go, but emphasis will also be placed on how much his absence would be felt.' He added, 'The door is open for him. If that happens there will be no problem. But it would be a big loss, and we will see what happens later if he is not there.'

If these advanced talks become a contract, Scaloni will ensure that after the 2028 Copa America his tenure in charge of Argentina reaches ten years. He took over as interim coach in September 2018, following Jorge Sampaoli's departure after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

That marked the start of a process of rebuilding and unification that resulted in Argentina winning four titles. The journey from interim coach to World Cup-winning coach is now heading towards another decade.

All eyes are now on the November international break. If the contract is signed before the Uruguay and Costa Rica matches, the rebuilding of post-Messi Argentina will officially proceed under Scaloni's plan, ensuring continuity in the team's direction through to the 2030 World Cup.