Argentina extend Lionel Scaloni’s contract until 2030 after Lionel Messi retirement

Argentina have extended Lionel Scaloni’s contract until 2030, with the manager set to lead the national team into a new era following Lionel Messi’s international retirement.

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, confirmed the agreement, ending speculation that Scaloni would leave when his existing deal expires in December.

Scaloni had initially been expected to depart after Messi’s decision to retire from international football. Instead, he will remain in charge as Argentina attempt to maintain the extraordinary standards established during the past eight years.

The absence of Messi represents an unprecedented challenge for Argentina, but the decision to retain Scaloni gives the team continuity on the touchline as it begins the next stage of its development.

“It is an exceptional and extremely important day for the Argentine Football Association,” Tapia said. “We officially announce the renewal of Lionel Scaloni’s contract and that of his coaching staff until 2030.”

He added: “Above all, we are talking about eight years, plus another four years. Scaloni will become the coach with the most World Cup appearances. Cesar Luis Menotti led the team at two editions, and Carlos Bilardo also led the team at two, while Scaloni will lead Argentina at three.”

Tapia said the agreement represented “a united project” and acknowledged the pressure created by Argentina’s recent success.

“We have great ambitions, while recognising that we are coming from a period that has been somewhat unusual because we have become accustomed to winning,” he said. “We must continue preparing young players and defend this project in the best possible way.”

Scaloni took temporary charge after Jorge Sampaoli was dismissed in 2018. A lack of credible alternatives, combined with a run of positive results, led to his appointment becoming permanent.

His record since then includes victory over Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final, the 2022 World Cup triumph against France in Qatar and a 2024 Copa America win over Colombia.

No other Argentina manager has achieved more. Scaloni’s honours have surpassed those of historic figures including Menotti and Bilardo, although his next task will be to preserve the team’s exceptional competitive level without Messi.

After the final of the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni said repeating such an achievement would be difficult.

“It will not be easy to repeat something like this,” he said. “People felt that this team represented them, and that is frightening. Frightening in a positive sense.”

Scaloni’s challenge now is to turn that fear into reassurance for the Argentine public as the national team moves beyond the Messi era.