Lionel Scaloni is widely celebrated as one of the most successful managers in Argentina’s long and storied football history. Many supporters and analysts even argue that he is the greatest coach the Albiceleste have ever had. After all, it was under his guidance that the South American giants ended their painful 28-year trophy drought and rediscovered their identity as a dominant force in world football. Most notably, he led Argentina to their historic World Cup triumph, ending a 36-year wait and restoring national pride.
Naturally, a coach of his calibre is not someone a federation would easily let go. And Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia has made it abundantly clear that he wants Scaloni not just in the next World Cup cycle, but in the one that follows as well.
Speaking at a special event titled Ole Summit 2025, Tapia opened up about Argentina’s long-term coaching vision. He said,
“We have carefully evaluated our sporting project. I want Scaloni and his full coaching staff to remain in charge until 2030. If I only cared about results, I wouldn’t have hired him. I was thinking about building a national team project unlike anything we have had before.”
Before Scaloni took over, Argentina were in a state of disarray. The squad suffered from a lack of chemistry, shaky confidence, and an absence of strong leadership. Amid this turbulence came the bold decision in 2018 to hand the reins to the relatively inexperienced Scaloni. The rest, as many now say, is history.
Under the 47-year-old manager’s stewardship, Lionel Messi and his team-mates have enjoyed one of the most successful runs in Argentine football:
Copa América 2021
Finalissima 2022
FIFA World Cup 2022
Copa América 2024
Since taking charge on 2 August 2018, Scaloni has overseen a total of 90 matches. Argentina played their first match under him on 7 September that year, defeating Guatemala. His record since then has been nothing short of outstanding, helping rebuild not only the team’s playing style but also its winning mentality.
Scaloni’s Managerial Record with Argentina
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Appointed | 2 August 2018 |
| First Match | 7 September 2018 vs Guatemala |
| Total Matches | 90 |
| Wins | 67 |
| Draws | 14 |
| Losses | 9 |
| Longest Unbeaten Run | 35 matches (24 wins, 11 draws) |
| Major Titles | Copa América, Finalissima, World Cup, Copa América (2024) |
Tapia’s desire to keep Scaloni until 2030 indicates more than just trust—it signals a long-term footballing blueprint designed to secure Argentina’s dominance for the next generation. If the plan succeeds, football historians may well refer to this era as the Scaloni Dynasty.