‘We hope he stays’: Argentina return to training with Scaloni’s future in focus
Argentina national team returned to training on Tuesday ahead of a busy international break, but while the players began preparations for three upcoming friendlies, much of the attention was focused on Lionel Messi’s farewell and one question: will Lionel Scaloni remain in charge?
Scaloni led Argentina’s first training session at the Argentine Football Association’s training complex as the team began preparations for matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin. The final fixture will be a particularly emotional occasion, as it is expected to mark Lionel Messi’s farewell to the national team.
Alongside the excitement surrounding the matches, uncertainty over Scaloni’s future has become another major talking point inside the squad. The coach’s current contract expires in December 2026, and negotiations over a renewal are reportedly progressing. According to TyC Sports, the proposed agreement could keep Scaloni in charge until the 2028 Copa America, with an option to extend it through the 2030 World Cup.
The players, meanwhile, have made their feelings clear: they hope their coach stays.
One of the first players to arrive at camp was goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. Asked about Scaloni’s future, Martinez said he did not know what decision the coach would make but emphasised that the players would support him.
Cristian Romero was more direct in expressing his hopes.
“We hope he stays. He’s the key person in putting this team together, so obviously we hope he continues,” the defender said.
Leonardo Balerdi, who missed the 2026 World Cup because of injury, also expressed his desire to see Scaloni continue in charge.
“We hope he stays; it would be a privilege for us,” Balerdi said.
Nicolas Paz, one of the younger players to make his debut under Scaloni, also highlighted the coach’s importance to his career.
“He’s one of the most important coaches, he gave me my debut, and I hope he stays,” Paz said.
Franco Mastantuono, another of the younger players in the squad, kept his focus on the present rather than speculation about the future.
“We’re still enjoying him, so that’s what’s important now,” Mastantuono said.
Goalkeepers Juan Musso and Geronimo Rulli also backed whatever decision Scaloni ultimately makes. Musso praised the coach for everything he has built with the national team and said the squad has great affection and appreciation for him.
Scaloni, however, has yet to give a definitive answer about his future. In a recent interview with the Asian channel MiGu, he offered only a brief response when asked about the possibility of continuing beyond his current contract.
“We’ll try, whether we’re there or not,” Scaloni said.
His comments came as he outlined the purpose of the upcoming friendlies. With Argentina entering another stage of transition, Scaloni wants to give younger players valuable experience and help them understand the team’s playing philosophy.
“Our intention in the upcoming matches is to give young players the opportunity to adapt to our style of play,” he explained.
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Four players have received their first senior call-ups: Tobías Andrada, Leonel Flores, Valentín Gómez and Román Vega. Their inclusion is part of Argentina’s effort to gradually introduce new talent while maintaining the identity established during Scaloni’s successful tenure.
The schedule begins on September 30, when Argentina face Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. They will then play Burkina Faso on October 3 at the Monumental before meeting Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires.
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