Lionel Scaloni hinted that he could resign as Argentina manager following a heated exchange with Lionel Messi during World Cup qualifying.
Scaloni admitted he was considering his future after Argentina’s victory over Brazil in World Cup qualifying in November. The Argentina boss has grown “tired” of the “sideshow” that accompanies the national team and had also experienced “tension” with Messi ahead of the match with Brazil, according to The Athletic. Violence broke out before kick-off, which saw Messi lead his team-mates off the pitch and back into the dressing room – a decision the captain made “without consulting” Scaloni and which had “agitated” the Argentina boss and his coaching staff.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Scaloni led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 in Qatar, with Messi finally winning the one trophy that had eluded him for so long. The win was the first time Argentina had been crowned world champions since Diego Maradona inspired his nation to victory in 1986 and was greeted by jubilant scenes back home. Argentina extended Scaloni’s contract to 2026 after the victory, although it remains to be seen if he will see it out.
WHAT SCALONI HAS SAID
“Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible, and who is well,” he said after the win over Brazil. “I need to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this time.”
WHAT NEXT FOR SCALONI?
Scaloni’s future appears to be up in the air, with suggestions he could step down after the 2024 Copa America. Real Madrid have reportedly opened talks with Scaloni about the possibility of replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season. The Madrid coach has been tipped to leave the club and take over as Brazil boss next year.
