2026 World Cup: “I have to think a lot about what I am going to do”, Argentina coach Scaloni casts doubt on his future

After breaking Brazil's historic invincibility at home (1-0) during South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, Argentina's Lionel Scaloni cast doubt on his future as coach of the world champions. “There is one important thing I wanted to say: now it's time to stop the ball, I have a lot to think about right now. These players have given us a lot and I have to think a lot about what I'm going to do, it's not a farewell, but the bar is very high and it's complicated to continue and to continue winning,” said Scaloni during of a press conference at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

“It’s time to think about it. I will tell the president, I will tell the players later, because this team needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is doing well,” he added. Without giving further details, the champion coach of the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup clarified that he was not resigning and then left. Scaloni declared himself proud of his team after a match delayed for almost half an hour due to clashes between supporters and police in the stands.

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“Competing like this they know they're a strong team, it's a group that supports each other and I'm really proud to be able to coach them,” he said. The 45-year-old said Messi was substituted in the 78th minute because he suffered from “adductor discomfort”. “He gave the team a helping hand and we know what that means,” he explained. Argentina will finish 2023 as leader of South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with 15 points out of 18 possible. The playoffs will resume in September 2024.