Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has extended his contract with the national team until 2030, putting him on course to become the first manager in the country’s history to lead La Albiceleste at three FIFA World Cups.

The 48-year-old, who guided Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and a runners-up finish this year after losing the final to Spain, had been approaching the end of his previous contract in December. However, following discussions with his coaching staff and close associates, Scaloni decided to continue his successful journey with the national team.

“After giving it some thought and discussing it with my coaching staff and those close to me, we decided that continuing is the best path forward,” Scaloni said at a news conference on Thursday. “We reached an agreement very quickly.”

Scaloni is already Argentina’s most successful manager, having also secured consecutive Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. Despite briefly casting doubts over his future following the defeat to Spain in July, he has now committed to overseeing the team’s next phase.

“A huge part of the decision to continue was, without a doubt, the fans. I want to keep bringing them the joy they feel when watching the national team, and I hope that continues,” he added.

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia welcomed the agreement, describing it as the ideal outcome for Argentine football.

Argentina Prepare For Generational Transition

Scaloni’s immediate challenge will involve rebuilding the squad following Lionel Messi’s international retirement and the likely departure of several experienced campaigners ahead of the next World Cup.

“An important phase in our process begins now; we will give opportunities to the youngsters who are pushing through the ranks,” Scaloni stated.

Nicolás Paz, Franco Mastantuono, Valentín Barco, Matías Soulé and Gianluca Prestianni are among the young players expected to shoulder greater responsibility.

Meanwhile, Scaloni confirmed that Argentina will not immediately assign Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt for their upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica.

“When we finally decide, we hope it’s for good – we don’t want to keep passing the No. 10 around to different players,” he explained.