Lionel Scaloni’s contract with the Argentina national team expires in December, but his failure to lead the team to a second successive World Cup suggests he may still leave the job.
Lionel Scaloni felt deep emotions after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final
Lionel Scaloni has hinted that he may step down as Argentina national team coach when his contract expires later this year.
The 48-year-old, who has led La Albiceleste to two Copa Americas, one World Cup and La Finalissima since taking over in 2018, has a contract until December.
Scaloni will discuss new terms with the Argentine Football Association, but insists he could extend his illustrious spell as manager.
“I haven’t talked to Leo (Messi) yet. As for me, I’ll talk to the president. I have an idea of what I want to do,” he said in an emotional post-match press conference.
“I’ll fulfill my contract and then see what happens. The truth is, I don’t know if I can do something this big, so I feel like I need to think about it.”
“We probably need to have a conversation. I’m grateful to the president for giving me this opportunity and putting me in this position,” she said, before breaking down in tears.
He added, “Being where we are now is a dream come true for everyone. We gave our all as a coaching staff and as players until the last moment. It’s natural that we were able to take this time to reflect. This place is amazing. It’s a dream come true that I never imagined in my life.”
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina contract ends in December
Before abruptly leaving the press conference room, Scaloni added: “Never in our lives did we think we would be in this position.”
“So a lot needs to happen to continue, especially a group like this that needs to be reset and rebuilt as it is unlikely to get together again, which is very heartbreaking.”
Argentina was soundly defeated in the World Cup final, scoring just two shots to Spain’s 20.
But thanks to the brilliance and resilience of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, La Roja had to be patient until they finally broke through the wall.
Ferran Torres came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 106th minute after Enzo Fernandes was sent off for two yellow cards, giving the team the decisive blow.
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