Lionel Scaloni edges closer to Argentina stay after Claudio Tapia talks

Lionel Scaloni is close to remaining as Argentina manager, with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) offering him a contract that could keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup.

The proposed agreement would initially run for two years, taking Scaloni through the 2028 Copa America, with an option to extend it for a further two years until the 2030 World Cup.

Spanish newspaper Sport reported that the AFA, led by president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, is working to continue the highly successful partnership with Scaloni. It said negotiations have entered their final stage, with significant progress made between the two sides in recent days.

The 21st century’s most successful manager of Argentina’s national team had previously hinted that his time in the role could be coming to an end. Scaloni led Argentina to their first Copa America title since 1993, ending a 28-year wait for major silverware, before adding two Copa America trophies and the World Cup.

After Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Scaloni suggested he could step away from the position.

“I will continue until December, and after that I will speak with president Claudio Tapia,” he said at the time. “The idea is to relax and take a break. I will probably stop.”

However, comments made by Scaloni at a news conference before Argentina’s match against Bolivia have since been interpreted as evidence that an agreement is nearing.

Asked about a photograph with Tapia, Scaloni said: “We have only just started talking. There is a mutual desire from both sides, and that is the most important thing.”

The remarks followed a report by Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, cited by Sport, that Tapia had formally presented Scaloni with the proposed two-year deal and the option of a further two-year extension.

The AFA’s offer would allow Scaloni to oversee Argentina at the 2028 Copa America at a minimum, while also giving both parties the opportunity to continue together until the next World Cup in 2030.