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[SPORTS] · Argentina, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Benin · 87 sources

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Lionel Scaloni negotiates future amid Messi's retirement

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni is in negotiations with AFA President Claudio Tapia regarding his future. While Scaloni expressed a desire to remain in his position, he noted that several aspects must be discussed before a final decision is made. The discussions come as the team prepares for a series of friendly matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

The upcoming matches will also feature the official international retirement of Lionel Messi, with the match against Benin on October 6 scheduled as his farewell. Scaloni has indicated that he worked to ensure Messi could participate in this final tribute. Following Messi's departure, defender Cristian Romero has been named as the new captain of the national team.

Additionally, Scaloni is overseeing a generational transition, integrating younger players into the squad. This shift is evident in recent training sessions and squad selections. The team also faces stadium capacity restrictions for its match against Bolivia in Córdoba due to a FIFA sanction resulting from discriminatory chants during the 2026 World Cup.

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AFA · Argentina national football team · Argentina national team · Argentine Football Association · Claudio Tapia · Cristian Romero · Lionel Messi · Lionel Scaloni

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