Lionel Messi retirement leaves Argentina weighing Lionel Scaloni’s future

The retirement of Lionel Messi has thrown Argentina’s plans into uncertainty and placed the future of World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni under renewed scrutiny, despite his contract running until December.

Argentina’s Football Association had been expected to announce an extension for Scaloni, but Messi’s decision to retire has created an unexpected dilemma for the national team’s leadership. The future of the manager, who guided Argentina to the World Cup, is now one of the main issues facing the federation.

Scaloni fuelled speculation about his position around two months ago after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final. Following that match, he said: “I will fulfil the terms of my contract, and then we will see what happens.”

Those comments raised questions about whether Scaloni intended to remain in charge beyond the current agreement. However, the Argentine Football Association, led by president Claudio Tapia, remains optimistic that the manager can be persuaded to stay.

The federation is aware of Scaloni’s desire for a period of calm and believes he may need time before making a final decision. Officials consider that not enough time has passed since 19 July for the situation to become clearer.

Messi’s retirement is regarded as an important factor in Scaloni’s thinking, but those close to the national team believe the manager’s final decision will depend more on how he feels about the work and the new project that must now be built.

According to TyC Sports, people close to the Argentina team believe the “Scaloni era”, as it has been known, came to an end in New York. They argue that without Messi, Scaloni would lose the player who provided the side with its spirit and leadership.

Argentina rose to the top of the world rankings during the period in which Messi was part of the team. Although the country still has a group of outstanding players, the national side is expected to be weaker without its captain and greatest influence.

The next phase will require a leader with considerable strength and determination. Scaloni, meanwhile, is believed to need the same energy and conviction if he is to continue in the role.

There are no negotiations currently taking place between Scaloni and the federation, according to the Argentine newspaper cited in the report. At this stage, officials are relying on optimism rather than an active agreement, while recognising that they must persuade the World Cup-winning manager to commit to the next cycle.

Scaloni’s comments after the final were regarded as particularly clear, and the federation understands that retaining him will require more than simply offering a contract renewal. The central question is whether he can see a convincing future for Argentina without Messi at the heart of the team.

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