# Lionel Scaloni leadership of Argentina national team

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lionel-scaloni-leadership-of-argentina-national-team
> Updated: 2026-09-09T18:22:18.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 3.

Lionel Scaloni is marking eight years as the head coach of the Argentina national football team. Since assuming the role in September 2018, he has led the team to four major titles: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América, while also reaching the 2026 World Cup final.

Following the retirement of Lionel Messi, the Argentine Football Association (AFA), under president Claudio Tapia, has prioritized renewing Scaloni’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of the year. Scaloni has indicated a need for rest before discussing his future with the federation as he manages a team renewal process ahead of the 2028 Copa América.

Following a loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, the team faces a period of significant uncertainty. Scaloni, whose contract expires on December 30, 2026, has expressed exhaustion and is currently evaluating whether to continue leading the squad. While the AFA remains optimistic about retaining him, no formal negotiations are currently underway.

The team is entering a major rebuilding phase as key players like Nicolás Otamendi depart or face uncertain futures. Additionally, long-time assistant coach Walter Samuel is leaving the staff to pursue a head coaching career in Europe. Internal tensions have also emerged, including reports of unpaid prize money owed by the AFA and dissatisfaction regarding international friendly scheduling. To honor Messi, the AFA is planning a series of farewell matches during the September-October 2026 FIFA window in Buenos Aires and Córdoba, potentially involving opponents such as Burkina Faso and Benin.

## Claims

- Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Assistant coach Walter Samuel will leave the Argentina national team staff after 2026 to pursue a head coaching career. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Scaloni expressed the need to think about his future after the 2026 World Cup final loss. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Scaloni's contract with the AFA expires on December 30, 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Scaloni told AFA president Claudio Tapia that he is ‘very tired’. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The AFA is planning a farewell for Messi during the September-October 2026 FIFA window with potential matches against Burkina Faso and Benin. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The AFA owes unpaid prize money to the coaching staff and players. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Argentina national team faces coaching and leadership uncertainty

Argentina's national team faces uncertainty as Lionel Scaloni weighs his future and Walter Samuel prepares to depart the coaching staff following Lionel Messi's retirement and the 2026 World Cup final.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-football-uncertainty-as-gallardo-deal-faces-delays

### 2026-09-06: Lionel Scaloni marks eight years leading Argentina national team

Lionel Scaloni marks eight years leading the Argentina national team, a tenure defined by four major titles and a World Cup victory, while recently attending the F1 Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lionel-scaloni-attends-formula-1-italian-grand-prix

### 2026-09-04: Argentine Football Association prioritizes Lionel Scaloni contract renewal

The Argentine Football Association is prioritizing a contract renewal for coach Lionel Scaloni as the national team enters a new era following Lionel Messi's retirement.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentine-football-association-prioritizes-lionel-scaloni-contract-renewal

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Cite as: Lionel Scaloni leadership of Argentina national team. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lionel-scaloni-leadership-of-argentina-national-team