Scaloni leaves Florentino Pérez standing

Lionel Scaloni has accepted the proposal for renewal from the Argentine National Team to continue leading the national team towards the 2030 World Cup, as reported by journalist César Luis Merlo. The agreement implies that the coach prioritizes continuing with the AFA over the possibility of coaching at the Real Madrid transfer market, which had him among the names linked to their search for a coach during the past spring.

Lionel Scaloni heading towards renewal with the Argentine National Team

The AFA and Scaloni have progressed to reach an agreement to extend their relationship, which currently ends on December 31, 2026. The proposed formula includes an initial contract of two years, until the 2028 Copa America, with an extension of another two years that would keep him in charge during the 2030 World Cup.

The proposal had been presented to the coach in September, and discussions continued during the last FIFA dates. According to reports in Argentina, the coach has already given the green light, and the final details need to be resolved before formalizing the signature.

The continuity implies keeping the person in charge of the cycle that began in 2018, which has secured the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. After the 2026 World Cup final, in which Argentina lost to Spain, Scaloni had left open the possibility of leaving his position at the end of his contract.

The coach changed his perspective after analyzing the team's sporting future. Planning for the next stage and the possibility of continuing to compete for titles have been relevant elements in bringing positions closer with the AFA president, Claudio Tapia.

Real Madrid in Scaloni's Past

Scaloni's name was linked to Real Madrid in April 2026 when several Spanish media outlets reported that the club had explored his candidacy for the coaching position. Journalist Manolo Lama stated that the entity had contacted the Argentine national team coach, although sources close to the coach denied the existence of conversations with Real Madrid's leadership.

The possibility arose as the club was searching for a coach to lead the team after a season marked by changes in the dugout. Florentino Pérez had to consider different profiles, but there was never confirmation of advanced negotiations with Scaloni or a formal offer to bring him on board.

Therefore, the renewal with Argentina does not equate to a public rejection of a contractual offer from Real Madrid: there is no evidence that such an offer existed. What does change is the coach's professional horizon, as if the agreement with the AFA is completed, he will remain linked to the national team for the next international cycle.

Florentino Pérez will have to consider other options

Scaloni's decision reduces the chances of Real Madrid being able to count on him in the short term, assuming the renewal is formalized as announced. The Argentine coach would thus face the challenge of preparing the team for the 2028 Copa America and keeping the possibility open until the 2030 World Cup.

The next step will be to finalize the contractual details and announce the signature. The date being considered in Argentina is the upcoming international window in November, when the AFA could formalize Lionel Scaloni's continuity and definitively dispel doubts about his future.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Scaloni deja plantado a Florentino Pérez