According to journalist Veronica Brunati, the Argentine Football Association's failure to pay bonuses has sparked discontent, and negotiations to renew Scaloni's contract are still ongoing.
According to journalist Veronica Brunati, negotiations for Lionel Scaloni's contract extension are still ongoing. The Argentine Football Association and Scaloni have not yet given a final answer. Both sides will need several more weeks to continue communication, finalize the terms, and await Scaloni's decision. However, several factors are important:
1️⃣ Scaloni knows the team must rebuild. After an extraordinary period, he will start another project from scratch. He is currently assessing whether he still has enough energy and motivation to face this challenge.
2️⃣ The Argentine Football Association owes the team and coaching staff a significant amount of bonuses. There is already some discontent within the team regarding this. The players and coaching staff are aware of the association's financial situation and therefore find it incomprehensible that these payments have not yet been made.
3️⃣ The friendly match schedule was less than ideal. Scaloni wanted to play against more formidable and competitive opponents to prepare the team. However, this did not materialize as he envisioned.
4️⃣ Walter Samuel will not remain on the coaching staff. He will leave the Argentine national team after the 2026 World Cup, ending eight years working alongside Scaloni.
Negotiations are ongoing. Scaloni has not yet formally agreed. His decision depends not only on the terms of the renewal but also on his willingness and energy to begin a new phase.
