Lionel Scaloni, the coach of Argentina’s national team, said he is unsure whether he will stay in charge after the side fell 1‑0 to Spain in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final. He indicated he will meet the president of the Argentine Football Association to discuss his options before his contract runs out in December.
The 48‑year‑old manager, who took over following the 2018 disappointment, has steered La Albiceleste to the 2022 World Cup triumph, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and a second straight World Cup final appearance, joining Carlos Bilardo as the only Argentine coaches to reach consecutive finals.
Scaloni warned that rebuilding the squad will be a major task if he continues, noting that captain Lionel Messi is now 39 and many members of the 2022 championship team are nearing the end of their careers, making a repeat of the current group unlikely. He expressed the emotional difficulty of trying to recreate such a team.
Accepting Spain’s victory, which came via Ferran Torres in extra time, Scaloni thanked supporters for their energy, praised the Spanish side as deserving winners, and offered gratitude to his players and staff for reaching another final.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!