Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni extends contract to 2030 - Anadolu Ajansı

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has extended his contract until 2030, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced Thursday, ending uncertainty about his future with the national team.

AFA President Claudio Tapia announced the extension alongside Scaloni at a news conference at the Lionel Andres Messi training complex in Ezeiza, one day before a friendly against Uruguay.

The 48-year-old coach's contract was due to expire in December, and he raised doubts about his future following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in July.

The agreement will keep Scaloni and his coaching staff in charge through the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with opening matches in South America.

Scaloni expressed happiness at continuing in the role, saying he remained as motivated as when he first took charge.

The coach has led the national team since September 2018, initially taking over on an interim basis following Jorge Sampaoli's departure.

Under his leadership, Argentina won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima against Italy and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, ending a 36-year wait for football's biggest prize.

Argentina also reached the 2026 World Cup final after defeating England 2-1 in the semifinals before losing 1-0 to Spain.

The AFA highlighted Argentina's record of reaching the semifinals in five consecutive major tournaments under Scaloni, including two World Cups and three Copa America competitions.

The contract extension comes as Argentina enters a new era following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football in October.

Scaloni's team will face Uruguay on Friday before meeting Costa Rica on Nov. 17 in their final international fixtures of the year.