Overview
- AFA president Claudio Tapia told TyC Sports on Friday that Lionel Scaloni is the federation’s sole preferred candidate for the next cycle and that no replacement plan has been prepared.
- Scaloni has not committed to staying after his emotional exit following the 2026 World Cup and has said he needs time to think before his contract expires in December 2026.
- Tapia said the AFA will not pressure Lionel Messi about playing at the 2028 Copa América and described the decision as entirely the player’s to make.
- TyC Sports reported off the record that Scaloni’s wife, Elisa Montero, strongly supports him remaining in the job, a personal factor that could influence his choice.
- Scaloni’s record since 2018 of multiple trophies and a high win rate underpins the federation’s push for continuity even as the squad’s advanced age points to a likely rebuilding task for the next cycle.