Initially, the deal was valid until the World Cup in Qatar. Lionel Scaloni is brilliant at this task.
After 36 years, Argentina has enjoyed being world champions in their own hands. After that, there was a lot of discussion about whether to keep him or not. However, both sides gave verbal consent. But all the mysteries were created about formalities. This was finally done by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). They told Scaloni the responsibility to train until the next World Cup in 2026.
Scaloni is currently in Paris to take part in FIFA The Best. Just hours before that, the AFA announced that his contract would be renewed. The head of the AFA wrote on Twitter: “When trust is high, communication becomes easier and more effective. We will continue to strengthen the national team project with world champion coach Lionel Scaloni.”
Official: Lionel Scaloni has extended his contract with Argentina National team until 2026 🚨🇦🇷 #Argentina
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 27, 2023
…in few hours, he will be announced as winner of FIFA “The Best” Awards. pic.twitter.com/ThBH1TEy0n
Scaloni took over the Argentine team in 2018. However, he worked as a temporary coach for the first 6 months. He was later appointed permanently by the AFA. He put the team in an almost irresistibly fragile state. Argentina’s magic touch first won the Copa America, then the Finalsima, and finally the dream World Cup in Qatar.
The Albiceleste were unbeaten in 36 straight games before coming to the World Cup. However, they lost their first match of the tournament against infamous Saudi Arabia. But after that, there was no looking back. Lionel Messi’s side is celebrating the title after beating France in a tiebreak in arguably the best final in World Cup history.
Argentina will embark on a mission to retain the title in the 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 44-year-old Scaloni’s first assignments under the new contract are against Panama and Suriname. Argentina will play two friendly matches at home next March. Meanwhile, AFA renewed the contract with Scaloni and two assistant coaches Pablo Eimer and Walter Samuel.