Argentina's World Cup-Winning Manager Scaloni Contemplates Departure After Victory Over Brazil

Lionel Scaloni, the manager behind Argentina’s World Cup triumph, shocked many by revealing his contemplation of stepping down from his position following the team’s historic win against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.

Scaloni made this unexpected admission about his future during a press conference at the Maracanã, where Argentina secured a 1-0 victory, maintaining their top position in the South American qualifying standings for the 2026 World Cup.

In his opening remarks, Scaloni stated, “Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well… I need to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this time.” He emphasized the challenges of maintaining the high standards and continuous success in his role.

While assuring that it’s not a farewell, Scaloni expressed the need to ponder his next steps. He mentioned discussions with the FA president and players would follow: “It’s not goodbye or anything, but I need to think because the bar is very high and it’s complicated to keep going and it’s complicated to keep winning.”

Having taken over as manager in 2018, Scaloni led Argentina to victory in the Copa América in 2021, their first major trophy since the 1993 Copa. The team then clinched their third global title in Qatar last year.

Players, including Argentina defender Cristian Romero, expressed hope that Scaloni would continue. Romero said, “We are sure and hope that Scaloni will continue. Let’s see now; he will have time to think; he didn’t say anything in the dressing room about it. We will try to convince him.”