Argentina Squad Members Urge Lionel Scaloni to Remain as Manager

Midfielder Nicolás Paz and defender Cristian Romero have voiced their support for Lionel Scaloni to stay as Argentina's coach ahead of his December contract expiration.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is currently negotiating a potential contract extension with the Argentine Football Association before his current deal expires in December. The 48-year-old coach hinted at a departure following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final in July. Midfielder Nicolás Paz, who debuted under Scaloni, joined teammates Cristian Romero and Leonardo Balerdi in publicly requesting that the manager continue his tenure during training camp arrivals in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Over an eight-year period and 104 matches, Scaloni has recorded 76 victories, 18 draws, and 10 losses. His tenure includes the 2022 World Cup title, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América championships, and a record 36-game unbeaten streak for the national team. Winger Gianluca Prestianni and goalkeeper Juan Musso also credited the manager for the squad's recent success and internal cohesion.

Scaloni is set to hold a press conference next Tuesday prior to a friendly against Bolivia in Córdoba. This match begins a series of three fixtures, including games against Burkina Faso and Benin, concluding Oct. 6. The final match at Monumental Stadium will serve as the official international retirement ceremony for captain Lionel Messi. According to the Associated Press, Scaloni has not made a public statement since returning to Argentina.