Lionel Scaloni signs new Argentina deal to remain head coach

Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2023 by ESPN

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has extended his contract until 2026, the country's FA said on Monday after he led the team to their World Cup triumph in Qatar last year.

Scaloni, who took Argentina to the Copa America title in 2021, renewed his contract after meeting with AFA president Claudio Tapia in Paris on Monday, taking him through to the next World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

"Claudio Tapia and Lionel Scaloni met to close the extension of the contract as coach of the Senior Selection until 2026," the AFA said in a statement.

Tapia travelled to Paris to attend FIFA's 'The Best' Awards where Scaloni was named Best Coach for 2022.

"I am eternally grateful to the president of the AFA for giving me the opportunity to coach this wonderful national team," Scaloni said on receiving the award. "I'm thankful for the players, those 26 who led us to glory. Without them we could not have achieved anything."

Scaloni, who played for Argentina's Newell's Old Boys, Lazio and Mallorca, began his time with the national team as part of the coaching staff led by Jorge Sampaoli, who was sacked after they exited in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"When trust is high, the communication is simple and effective. We will continue to invest in our national team project, along with Lionel Scaloni, manager of the world champions," Tapia said in a news release.

Scaloni has a record of 37 wins, 15 draws and five defeats in 57 games as Argentina's head coach.

Information from Reuters was used in this story.