Lionel Scaloni will remain Argentina head coach until 2030 after the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced his new contract on Thursday 12 November. AFA president Claudio Tapia made the announcement alongside Scaloni at a press conference at the federation's Lionel Andrés Messi training complex in Ezeiza.
What did the AFA announce?
The AFA said on its official website that Scaloni's contract has been renewed until 2030, keeping him in charge of the national team through the next World Cup cycle. Tapia said the renewal also covers Scaloni's coaching staff.
Tapia told reporters that Scaloni will become the Argentina coach with the most World Cups. César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo each led the team at two tournaments; Scaloni has now been at two and is set for a third in 2030.
"I'm happy. This fulfils me," Scaloni said. "It is what we all wanted from the start. We are the same as on the first day, with the same enthusiasm."
The deal ends months of doubt over his future, and he is the latest coach to commit to a national team in our managers coverage, after Georgia appointed a new head coach until 2028.
What has Scaloni won with Argentina?
Scaloni took charge on 7 September 2018 after Jorge Sampaoli's exit. Under him Argentina won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022 and the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
At the 2026 World Cup, Argentina knocked out Switzerland in the quarter-finals and beat England 2-1 in the semi-finals before losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the final in New Jersey on 19 July.
What comes next for Argentina?
The new contract starts a new era. Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina in the 3-0 friendly win over Benin last month, and Friday's friendly against Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires is the team's first game without him.
Argentina then face Costa Rica in Córdoba on Tuesday 17 November to close the international window.
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