Scaloni's Argentina future in doubt as Samuel departs

Lionel Scaloni's future as Argentina head coach has been complicated by the departure of Walter Samuel, Samuel has spent eight years alongside Scaloni and wants to start his own head-coaching career in Europe.

Samuel's exit removes one of Scaloni's most trusted lieutenants just as the coach weighs whether to sign a new contract with the federation. His current deal also runs out at the end of December.

Scaloni has not hidden his doubts since the 2024 Copa América final defeat.

"I will honour my contract and then I'll see. The truth is I feel the need to evaluate everything, because I don't know if I'm going to be able to replicate something of this magnitude," he said at his post-match press conference.

Lionel Messi's retirement from the national team leaves Scaloni facing a rebuild without his best player, and There is also the matter of unpaid bonuses owed to players by the AFA, at a time when the federation is earning more money than ever. And Scaloni wants tougher opposition for the coming friendly window, which starts in a week, with Burkina Faso, Bolivia and Benin among the names on the table so far. Rather than sides that would test his squad.

Samuel's own departure would close out a partnership that delivered the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, plus the run to this year's final. TyC Sports reports that formal renewal talks between Scaloni and the AFA are under way, with no decision expected soon.