Lionel Scaloni is unsure whether he will continue as Argentina coach after their victory in Brazil.
Lionel Scaloni is questioning his future as Argentina coach after winning the Copa America, World Cup, and now a first-of-its-kind victory in Brazil.
“I need to think a lot about what I will do,” Scaloni said after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. “I need this time to think.”
Scaloni stated that he would think about it before speaking with Argentina’s soccer federation president Claudio Tapia and the players, “because this national team needs a coach who has every possible energy, and who feels well.”
Brazil suffered its first home defeat in a World Cup qualifying match at Maracana Stadium.
“It’s not a farewell, it’s not something else.” “But I need to think because the bar is really high.”
“it’s difficult to go ahead,” Scaloni said, “it’s difficult to keep winning.”
After making his remarks, he did not respond to any further questions.
Lionel Scaloni | Coaching Career
Scaloni, 45, took over as coach after Argentina lost to France in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup, and his contract was extended to the 2026 World Cup after his victory last year in Qatar.
Ahead of Tuesday’s news conference, Scaloni appeared giving tearful hugs and kisses to other Argentina staff members. It was the team’s final game of 2023.
Argentina leads the 10-team South American qualifying competition with 15 points from six games. Uruguay (13 points) and Colombia (12 points) are following behind alongside by Brazil. Brazil could finish the year in sixth place with seven points if poor result continues.
The United States, Mexico, and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup. In the coming World Cup, the top six South American teams will have direct entry.