Lionel Scaloni renewed with the Argentine National Team until 2030

The story that began with a bet and ended with one of the most successful stages in Argentine football will have several more chapters. After winning two Copa América titles, one Finalissima, and a World Cup, Lionel Scaloni reached an agreement to continue leading the Argentine National Team and this Thursday his renewal until 2030 was officially confirmed.

The announcement was made in the conference room of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), ahead of the match against Uruguay, with the disreputable president of the entity, Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, and the coach himself as protagonists. In this way, the head coach will extend his contract for four more years and will have the opportunity to lead the Albiceleste in the next World Cup.

"It is a very special day, very important for the life of the AFA, for our National Team. We are going to officially announce the renewal of the coaching staff of Gringo, of Scaloni, for the period from 2027 to 2030 in charge of the Argentine National Team", announced Tapia. It is worth noting that, although the continuity had already been agreed verbally since October 22, in recent weeks the economic and sporting details were finalized to formalize the new contract.

On the other hand, the disastrous leader also highlighted the place the coach will occupy in the history of the national team, as he will be the first to lead it in three different World Cups. "It is a very important announcement, Lionel will become the coach of this association with the most World Cups directed. Bilardo coached 2, Menotti coached 2, and Gringo will coach 3. It is the continuation of a project, with expectations and knowing that we are living in a time that may be abnormal for winning so much in such a short time", expressed the leader.

Scaloni's words after the announcement of his renewal

Then it was Scaloni's turn, who appeared visibly emotional and thanked the AFA leadership for their efforts to reach the agreement. "I thank the president and the people of the AFA for their effort to make this happen. I am happy, the truth is that despite the fact that these are not easy times for me personally, this fills me. It is what we all wanted from the very beginning", he stated.

"To say that we are the same as the first day, with the same hope and the same eagerness as always, otherwise it is impossible to be here. Being in this position means being fully committed and, after thinking it over, we decided that the best thing was to try to continue", he added.

However, the renewal also represents the beginning of a new stage within the process. With an eye on the 2030 World Cup, Scaloni anticipated that he will seek to give space to young players. "From now on it begins, I won't say a new era, but I would say an important moment in our process where we will give opportunities to kids who are pushing from behind. We believe it is the time for these kids to fully express themselves in a few years", he explained.

In this regard, the coach emphasized the need to have patience with the new generations and to avoid hasty comparisons with some of the great figures who have marked the recent history of the National Team. "We need the patience of everyone, from you journalists, from us coaches, to know that they are kids with enormous potential, but who may not yet be ready to give what Messi, Di María, Otamendi, and many other great players who will be irreplaceable gave us", he warned.

Finally, he asked for understanding for the players who will start to have opportunities and emphasized that the growth of the team will also depend on the support from all sectors. "We need everyone to understand that from now on these kids who are going to play need the understanding of all. We are in a happy moment and we believe we can provide that. I am as eager as on the first day, with the same hope and I am happy to be able to continue", he concluded.

With the renewal confirmed, Scaloni will face the challenge of maintaining the competitiveness of a National Team that has achieved historic titles and starting to prepare for the generational change. The goal will be to reach the 2030 World Cup, with the 2028 Copa América in between, with a team capable of remaining in the fight for the major trophies, in what will be the third World Cup for the coach at the helm of the Albiceleste.