After Argentina endured heartbreaking loss in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain on July 20 (As per IST), an emotional Lionel Scaloni revealed he might leave the head coach job after failing to lead the side to win the fourth World title. The 2024 Copa America champions were beaten 0-1 in extra-time by the reigning Euros champions.
Lionel Scaloni to quit?
After the loss in final, the Argentina head coach was questioned about his future and revealed that he would remain at the position until the end of the year and then would contemplate about his future in the Argentine national team setup.
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"No, no. I'll stay until December, and after that I'll most likely step aside. I'll continue until then, and afterward I'll speak with the federation president. The idea is to take a break and slow down a bit. That's the plan," said Scaloni.
While continuing, Scaloni added that this is his dream job, but now someone else from the country should have the opportunity to coach the national team. Scaloni went on to admit that he loved every moment of coaching Argentina to the highest level and it's been an honor to live his dream in real life.
"This is an incredible place, a dream. I hope more people get the chance to experience it because any Argentine would love to be here. It has been a pleasure to be here, an honour beyond anything I ever imagined in my wildest dreams," added Scaloni.
While concluding, he revealed that he would have a discussion with the president of the Aregentina Football Association, and if the federation wants him to continue then he would fulfil their wish.
Lionel Scaloni's legacy as Argentina head coach
Lionel Scaloni arrived as a ray of hope, as he transformed Argentina from a side burdened with decades of heartbreak into an unstoppable force, cementing himself as one of the most successful managers in international football. Coming in as a temporary solution in 2018 without any experience of senior coaching, Scaloni constructed a solid team with Lionel Messi as a central figure.
The Argentina national team went on to deliver an unprecedented four-trophy streak that consisted of the 2021 and 2024 Copa America title, the 2022 Finalissima, and the historic 2022 FIFA World Cup. Scaloni enjoyed a stellar run of eight years with the national team, it would be interesting to see if he will continue to serve as the head coach.