The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has formally offered Lionel Scaloni a new contract that could keep him in charge of the national team through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The proposal, according to reports from Argentina and information published by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, would initially extend Scaloni’s contract until the 2028 Copa América, with an option for a further two years that would take the agreement through the 2030 World Cup.
The development comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the coach’s future, particularly following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Scaloni had indicated after that match that he would remain in charge until the end of the year before discussing his future with AFA president Claudio Tapia. The AFA’s latest proposal represents an effort to maintain continuity after a period in which Scaloni has overseen one of the most successful stretches in Argentina’s modern international football history.
Since taking charge of the national team, Scaloni has guided Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and another Copa América triumph in 2024. Argentina also reached the 2026 World Cup final under his leadership. The AFA’s desire to extend his tenure therefore comes as the national team enters a new cycle following the 2026 tournament.
The proposed structure would give Scaloni a guaranteed period through the next Copa América before leaving the door open for both sides to continue the relationship into the 2030 World Cup cycle. Reports from Argentina indicate that negotiations with Scaloni’s representatives are ongoing, with the AFA understood to be hopeful that the coach will accept the proposal. However, there has been no final agreement announced by the federation at the time of the latest reports.
Scaloni’s current contract runs until December, and the proposed extension is particularly significant because it would provide a clear indication of the federation’s preferred direction: Scaloni at the helm through the 2028 Copa América, with a pathway to continue through the 2030 World Cup. The reported structure of the proposal is a two-year extension through the 2028 Copa América, followed by an option that could take the agreement through the 2030 World Cup.
The decision on Scaloni’s future could have implications beyond the duration of a coaching contract, as the next phase will involve determining how Argentina maintains its playing identity while gradually introducing a new generation. The current squad includes emerging talents such as Franco Mastantuono, Nico Paz, Gianluca Prestianni, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro, among others. Scaloni has already spoken about the importance of giving opportunities to younger players as Argentina begins the next phase of its development.
The contract discussions are taking place as Argentina prepares for its next set of international fixtures, including a match against Benin that is expected to serve as Lionel Messi’s farewell match for Argentina. The upcoming international window could consequently become an important period for assessing the direction of the team, even though the contract decision remains a matter between Scaloni and the federation. The final decision now rests with Scaloni, who has yet to give the federation a definitive response.
Key points
- Argentina offers Lionel Scaloni a new contract to keep him as coach through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
- The proposed contract extension would initially take Scaloni through the 2028 Copa América, with an option for a further two years.
- Scaloni's current contract runs until December, and his future has been a subject of considerable attention after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final defeat.
