Scaloni says the nationwide group ‘wants a coach that has each doable vitality’ however stopped in need of saying he’ll stop through the group’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has put into query his future on the nationwide group in the midst of their qualification marketing campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Copa America title, a World Cup trophy and now a first-of-a-kind win in Brazil has left Scaloni questioning whether or not he’ll keep on.
Scaloni took the job after the 2018 World Cup, wherein Argentina have been eradicated within the final 16. Final yr, Scaloni and his star captain, Lionel Messi, led the national team to their first World Cup title since 1986. His contract with the group runs till after the 2026 World Cup.
“I have to suppose quite a bit about what I’ll do,” Scaloni mentioned at a information convention after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.
“I want this time to suppose,” Scaloni mentioned after the sport in Rio de Janeiro, which was overshadowed by violence within the stands.
The kickoff was delayed by half an hour when Argentina followers and police clashed. The eventual end result was Brazil’s first-ever house defeat in a World Cup qualifier.
Scaloni mentioned he’d give it some thought earlier than speaking to Argentine Soccer Affiliation President Claudio Tapia and the gamers “as a result of this nationwide group wants a coach that has each doable vitality and that feels properly”.
“It’s not a goodbye. It’s not one thing else. However I have to suppose as a result of the bar is about actually excessive and it’s robust to go forward,” Scaloni mentioned. “It’s robust to proceed profitable.”
He didn’t reply to different questions after making his feedback.
The 45-year-old Scaloni, who had his contract prolonged after the 2022 World Cup triumph, changed Jorge Sampaoli as coach.
Earlier than he attended the information convention on Tuesday, Scaloni was seen giving emotional hugs and kisses to different members of the Argentina workers. It was the group’s final match of 2023.
Argentina lead the 10-team South American qualifying competitors with 15 factors from six matches, adopted by Uruguay on 13 and Colombia on 12. Brazil may finish the yr in sixth place with seven factors.
The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada could have 48 groups, that means direct entry for the highest six groups from South America.