Argentina looks to future with questions over Messi and Scaloni's continuity

Argentina's national football team is contemplating its future following a World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain, with significant questions surrounding the continued involvement of captain Lionel Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni.

Messi, who will be 39 years old, has given indications that this may have been his final World Cup appearance. Despite his tearful reaction to the defeat and past suggestions of stepping away, the Argentine public, his coach, and teammates are reportedly not ready to accept his departure. Many hope he will play until the 2028 Copa América, aligning with the end of his contract at Inter Miami.

"The pain is very great and it will be hard to close this wound," Messi posted on social media, without directly addressing his national team future. His captaincy has been central to Argentina's recent success, including victories in the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the Finalissima that same year.

The future of coach Lionel Scaloni also appears uncertain. Following the final, he stated his contract ends in December 2026 and indicated it would be difficult to continue. "After December, I will surely cut ties, although I have to discuss it with the president (of the AFA, Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia)," Scaloni told reporters. He added, "It has been a pleasure to be here, a pride... it will be complicated. It is also fair that a change can happen, and I even see it as good."

These statements contrast with recent comments from Scaloni and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) that suggested a potential contract renewal. Regardless of the coaching situation, Argentina has two FIFA dates scheduled for the coming months.