Lionel Scaloni has given a strong sign that he wants to remain Argentina coach as the national team prepares to begin a new chapter without Lionel Messi.
Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Messi’s final international match. After the emotional farewell, attention quickly turned to what comes next for the world champions.
Scaloni’s current contract runs until December. The Argentine Football Association wants him to stay for another World Cup cycle. The coach did not confirm a new deal but suggested he plans to continue.
“If all goes well, I’ll continue coaching, and the legacy Messi leaves behind is incredible. That’s what I’ll take away from it. There will never be anything like it on the pitch, and we are eternally grateful to him,” Scaloni said.
When asked directly about his contract situation, Scaloni kept his answer short.
“There are still no updates,” he said.
Argentina must now learn how to compete without the player who shaped their team for more than two decades. Scaloni knows that will not be easy. He also agreed with Messi’s warning that difficult periods could come after years of success.
“It’s going to be tough. He said so himself. What we’ve experienced these past few years isn’t normal, and tough times may come,” Scaloni said.
However, the Argentina coach believes the next generation can help the team move forward.
“We’re prepared to face them, with young, new players who will give us. But the feeling of having him on your side is unparalleled. It’s very difficult to compare it to anything. You have to experience it,” he said.
Scaloni believes Argentina can build another strong team. But he admitted they cannot simply find another player who brings what Messi did.
“We can put together a great team with new guys who keep coming up, but I’ve never seen that aura in anyone else. What he generates won’t be there anymore. We’ll look for new tools, but that feeling won’t be there,” he said.
Messi’s departure therefore leaves Scaloni with a very different challenge. Instead of trying to replace him, Argentina will have to find a new way to play and win.
“Having enjoyed him has been incredible, and we’ll have to move on without him,” Scaloni said.
The Messi era is over, but Argentina’s next journey is already taking shape. Scaloni now appears ready to lead a younger group into that new chapter.
