Lionel Scaloni sent the clearest warning yet that his stint as Argentina coach is coming to an end, telling media that he plans to complete his contract and then move on.
“I will continue as Argentina coach until December… then probably I will stop”.
Scaloni stated, after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, according to Fabrizio Romano
Earlier, he had been more careful when asked about his future moments, indicating merely that he would fulfill his contract before deciding anything.
Scaloni’s contract with the Argentine Football Association continues until December of 2026.
Reports before the competition had suggested a verbal agreement between the federation and the coach to prolong his time through the 2030 World Cup, for which Argentina had already qualified as a co-host.
That plan is now in doubt.
Scaloni, who took over in 2018, has delivered the 2021 and 2024 Copa America title, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup, Argentina’s first in 36 years.
Sunday’s final defeat, which was decided by a Ferran Torres goal in the 106th minute, halted his attempt for a second world title and, by his own words, might herald the beginning of the end of his six-year rule.
