Lionel Scaloni has signed a new contract to remain as Argentina coach heading into the 2030 World Cup.
Scaloni’s current deal was set to expire at the end of this year, but he has now agreed new terms to extend his reign until 2030, making him the first coach to lead Argentina into three World Cups.
He took over as coach in 2018 and won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, and a Finalissima. His side lost to Spain in this summer’s World Cup final.
“We are officially announcing the renewal of ‘Gringo’ Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff for the 2027-2030 period at the helm of the Argentina national team,” Argentina FA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia said on Thursday. “This is a joyful moment for everyone on the AFA Executive Committee, as well as for all Argentines.
“It is an important announcement. Between the initial eight years and this additional four-year extension, he will become the coach with the most World Cups managed for this association. He will have the responsibility of leading the team through three of them.”
Following the World Cup final loss, Scaloni, 48, had cast doubt on his future, asking for time to ‘evaluate’ his eight-year cycle managing the team.
For the former Deportivo, Lazio and West Ham player, the Argentina coaching role was his first experience as a head coach, with his only prior role being an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Upon receiving the news, Scaloni, whose mother died last month at age 74, said: “I want to thank the president and the people at the AFA for their efforts in making this happen.
“I am happy. Even though things are difficult for me personally right now, this brings me a sense of fulfillment,” he said. “This is what we all wanted. We’re in the same place we were on day one, with the same excitement and the same drive as always. Otherwise, it would be impossible to be here.”
Scaloni boasts a remarkable record across 107 matches: 79 wins, 18 draws, and just 10 losses, with 231 goals scored and only 57 allowed. He also guided Argentina to a historic 36-match undefeated streak between July 2019 and November 2022.
Argentina are among the hosts for the next World Cup, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
The next era of Scaloni’s leadership will take place without Lionel Messi, who retired from international football this year after the World Cup.
Argentina will play friendlies against Uruguay on Friday and Costa Rica next Tuesday.
