Lionel Scaloni's home surrounded by police as Messi retirement talks rise after World Cup final

Lionel Scaloni Lionel Messi Leandro Paredes Argentina football World Cup 2026

Argentina lost 1‑0 to Spain in the World Cup 2026 final, prompting a massive surge of fan gatherings in the hometown of national team coach Lionel Scaloni. Local police erected a protective fence around Scaloni’s house in Pujato and kept patrols on duty throughout the day to prevent incidents. Despite the loss, Scaloni continued to greet supporters twice each day, signing autographs and even speaking publicly about possibly stepping down after December.

At the same time, teammate Leandro Paredes told the media that Lionel Messi has already decided on his future with the Argentine national side, suggesting the World Cup final may have been his last appearance. Messi has not confirmed the decision, but he did appear publicly in Rosario shortly after the tournament, drawing large crowds. He also remains on the shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as fans maintain a high level of enthusiasm despite the defeat.

Entities

Argentina national football team · Leandro Paredes · Lionel Messi · Lionel Scaloni · Spain national football team

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Lionel Scaloni greeted fans twice daily and signed autographs after the World Cup final. 24fudbal.mk · opserver.mk · www.gsp.ro
[● 3 SOURCES] Police patrolled Scaloni's house throughout the day to maintain order. 24fudbal.mk · opserver.mk · www.gsp.ro
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lionel Messi is on the shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. tribunademexico.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lionel Messi appeared publicly in Rosario after the World Cup final, attracting large crowds. www.slobodenpecat.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lionel Scaloni said he may leave his role as Argentina coach after December. www.gsp.ro
[● 3 SOURCES] Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup 2026 final. 24fudbal.mk · opserver.mk · www.gsp.ro
[● 3 SOURCES] Leandro Paredes said Lionel Messi had already decided his future with the Argentine national team. www.mejorinformado.com · www.index.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] Police erected a protective fence around Lionel Scaloni's house in Pujato after the final. 24fudbal.mk · opserver.mk · www.gsp.ro