The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that discussions are underway with Lionel Scaloni over a new contract, strengthening earlier reports that the federation wants to extend the coach’s tenure beyond the expiration of his current deal in December 2026. Recent reports indicate that the proposal could initially run through the 2028 Copa América, with an option that would take Scaloni through the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Scaloni, who has been in charge of Argentina since 2018, has remained central to the national team’s most successful period in recent history. The AFA’s official account of his tenure highlights four major titles (the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América).
The proposed renewal would provide continuity as Argentina enters a new international cycle following the 2026 World Cup. The reported structure is understood to be a two-year extension until 2028, with the possibility of adding another two years through 2030, rather than a fully guaranteed four-year contract from the outset.
That distinction is important because Scaloni’s current contract is still scheduled to expire in December. Following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat, the coach had indicated that he would complete the year before discussing his future with AFA president Claudio Tapia. Negotiations have since progressed.
The potential extension comes at a significant moment for Argentina, with the national team beginning to introduce a new generation of players following Lionel Messi’s international retirement. Scaloni has already spoken about giving younger players opportunities and building the next phase of the team.
The AFA is therefore seeking to maintain the continuity of a project that began eight years ago and has delivered multiple international honours. While the final agreement still requires the remaining terms to be settled, talks are now progressing and Scaloni’s future beyond 2026 is increasingly taking shape.
