Buenos Aires, Sep 23 (V7N)- Lionel Scaloni is close to renewing his contract as Argentina’s head coach, with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) reportedly working toward a new agreement that could keep him in charge through the 2028 Copa América and potentially the 2030 World Cup.

Scaloni’s current contract is due to expire at the end of December, and his future had been uncertain following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

The AFA and Scaloni held a closed-door meeting on Monday night (September 21) to discuss his continuation. Argentine sports outlet TyC Sports reported that negotiations have advanced significantly, with only some financial details still to be resolved.

According to reports from D Sports and other Latin American media, the proposed agreement could follow a “2+2” structure. The initial contract would run until the 2028 Copa América, with an option to extend it for another two years through the 2030 World Cup.

The reported development comes after Scaloni expressed uncertainty about his future following the World Cup final. He said at the time that he would remain in charge until the end of his existing contract before discussing his future with AFA officials.

The federation has continued to show its intention to retain Scaloni as Argentina enters a new phase following the World Cup. The coach has also selected a number of younger players for the team's upcoming friendlies, indicating preparations for the next cycle.

Argentina are also entering a transition period following Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football. Messi is scheduled to play his final match for the national team against Benin on October 6.

Scaloni has led Argentina since 2018 and has won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The AFA has described his tenure as one of the most successful periods in the history of the national team.

Reports indicate that the renewal has not yet been officially announced, but negotiations are considered advanced. If the remaining details are settled, the AFA could formally confirm Scaloni’s continuation in the coming days.

END/SMA/AJ