Lionel Scaloni has reached an agreement with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to remain in charge of the national team beyond December, with the ultimate aim of continuing through to the 2030 World Cup.

According to reports by the Noticias Argentinas news agency and Perfil, the 48-year-old has agreed to sign a two-year contract running until 2028, with a renewal clause that could extend his tenure until 2030, provided both parties are in agreement.

The agreement follows a period of reflection by Scaloni over his future and talks with AFA president Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia during the recent international break, said the reports.

Negotiations were finalised after the two sides resolved contractual details, including financials.

Scaloni took charge of Argentina in 2018 and has since led the Albiceleste to two Copa América titles, the Finalissima in 2022 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He led the team to the World Cup final in this year’s tournament. 

Argentina are expected to host the opening match of the 2030 tournament, which will also be staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with three centenary matches taking place in South America to kick off the tournament.

The AFA has yet to issue an official announcement confirming the agreement. Its latest statement on the matter concerned the opening of negotiations between Scaloni and AFA.

An announcement could come in the coming days or during the next international break, scheduled for November 9-17, when the coach will be in Argentina, according to the reports.

The national team will close out the year with two friendlies in the November international window, as Scaloni continues to assess players and prepare for the next World Cup cycle.

Argentina will face Uruguay at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera stadium on Friday, November 13, with kick-off time yet to be confirmed. Four days later, on November 17, they will meet Costa Rica at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba.

The coach will be without Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, who are serving FIFA suspensions following incidents after the 2026 World Cup final.

Paredes, the Boca Juniors midfielder, received a 10-match ban and has seven matches remaining to serve. Molina, the Roma right-back, was handed a seven-match suspension and still has four games left.

Argentina could also be without Lautaro Martínez. The Inter Milan striker is recovering from a muscle tear and is currently expected to miss the matches.

The biggest absence, of course, will be skipper Lionel Messi, who has retired from international football.

Argentina’s new captain is experienced Atlético Madrid centre-back Cristian Romero.

– TIMES