Argentina are entering an uncertain new chapter after Lionel Messi’s international retirement, with the future of manager Lionel Scaloni now emerging as the central concern for the world champions.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Argentina must address several significant challenges in the coming months, led by the question of whether Scaloni will remain in charge of the national team.
Scaloni has become the central figure in Argentina’s project following Messi’s decision to step away from international football. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is keen to extend the manager’s contract, but there is growing concern that his time with the senior side could also be approaching its conclusion.
Speaking at the news conference after the World Cup final, Scaloni said: “I will continue until December, after that I will speak with the president of the association… The idea is to stop and get a little rest.”
The comments caused considerable shock in Argentina, particularly coming after the team had reached the summit of world football. However, the atmosphere eased in the days that followed when reports emerged suggesting Scaloni and his coaching staff would continue leading the project until the next edition of Copa America.
Even so, the possibility of Scaloni leaving became a greater source of anxiety after Messi’s retirement. The absence of the team’s most influential leaders has created uncertainty around Argentina’s future, although it should not cast doubt on the quality of the current squad.
Argentina still possess a large number of the players who won the World Cup, and the team retains a strong core despite Messi’s departure. The challenge now is to move into a new era while maintaining the standards established during Scaloni’s tenure.
Scaloni’s current contract runs until December. Under the existing agreement, he is expected to officially announce his preliminary squad on 6 September for the next round of international friendly matches. It will be the first squad selected without Messi.
That announcement will represent an important symbolic moment for Argentina, as the team begins to operate without a player who has been central to its identity for almost two decades. It will also offer an early indication of how Scaloni intends to reshape the side and distribute responsibility among the remaining members of the squad.
The manager will decide his next step at the end of the year. Meanwhile, the AFA remains determined to renew his contract and keep him in charge of the national team.
Scaloni guided Argentina to the Copa America title before leading them to World Cup glory, helping establish the most successful period in the country’s recent international history. His possible departure, alongside Messi’s retirement, would therefore mark a major change for the national team.
The issues surrounding Argentina’s squad, Scaloni’s future and the team’s next stage can also be discussed in greater depth on Kooora forums.
