Las 3 razones por las que Lionel Scaloni duda en seguir como DT de la Selección Argentina

(Regional 97.3) Lionel Scaloni put his continuity as head coach of the Argentina national team in doubt after the loss to Spain in extra time during the 2026 World Cup final. The manager has been in charge of the senior “Albiceleste” for nearly eight years and was the main architect of one of the most glorious cycles in the team’s history.

Several reasons fuel his doubts about his future on the Argentine bench. His current contract will expire in December, and there will be an evaluation regarding the future of the “Scaloneta” creator later. The Argentine Football Association (AFA), led by Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, wants to extend the contract by four more seasons with a substantial salary increase. The association is confident of convincing him once the situation cools down and the frustration from the World Cup final defeat subsides.

The mental and psychological toll of nearly eight years in charge of such a high-profile national team is a significant factor. Constantly reaching decisive stages, managing Lionel Messi’s global spotlight, and leading a squad of world stars wears on any manager. Marcelo Bielsa once cited a lack of energy when leaving the national team, a sentiment that could apply here. Scaloni himself stated in the mixed zone after the loss to Spain: “I’ll probably continue until December and then take a break, I need to rest.” The coaching staff acknowledges the strong bond with the squad but also recognizes the need for oxygen and reinvention.

The upcoming squad renewal, following what was likely Messi’s last World Cup, adds another layer of difficulty. The turnover after Russia 2018 was managed successfully, but this time several foundational players may be departing: Messi, Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Tagliafico, Giovani Lo Celso, and possibly Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. The next generation will feature Santiago Beltrán, Giuliano Simeone, Valentín “Colo” Barco, Nicolás Paz, Franco Mastantuono, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, and José Manuel “Flaco” López. They will be joined by established players still fit to continue: Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás González, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez.

Family circumstances also weigh heavily. Scaloni’s parents have been dealing with health issues for some time, a matter he has publicly mentioned. Although he resides in Mallorca and meets the squad every two or three months, the “reset” he mentioned after the Spain game includes his personal life. He needs to be closer to his inner circle, spend more time with family, and step away from football for a while—a factor that could tip the balance toward leaving in January 2027.

Scaloni’s record as Argentina manager: 104 matches, 76 wins, 18 draws, 10 losses, 216 goals scored, 57 conceded, a 78.85% effectiveness rate, and 4 titles won.