Scaloni ready to lead Argentina into post-Messi era

Lionel Messi may have bid farewell to Argentina, but the man who guided the Albiceleste through their golden era appears set to remain at the helm.

Following Argentina’s emotional 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium, head coach Lionel Scaloni hinted that he will continue in charge of the national team as the reigning world champions prepare for life without their iconic No. 10.

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Scaloni’s current contract expires in December, but the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is keen to extend his deal for another World Cup cycle. While the coach stopped short of confirming a new contract, his comments suggested that he is ready to continue the journey.

“If all goes well, I’ll continue coaching, and the legacy Messi leaves behind is incredible. That’s what I’ll take away from it. There will never be anything like it on the pitch, and we are eternally grateful to him,” Scaloni said.

Asked about his future, he kept his response brief, saying, “There are still no updates.” However, his remarks about rebuilding the national team made it clear that he is already looking ahead to the next chapter.

And that chapter will begin without Messi.

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Scaloni acknowledged that replacing the influence and aura of the legendary forward will be one of Argentina’s biggest challenges.

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“It’s going to be tough. He said so himself. What we’ve experienced these past few years isn’t normal, and tough times may come,” he said.

Yet the coach believes Argentina have enough young talent to remain competitive.

“We’re prepared to face them, with young, new players who will give us... But the feeling of having him on your side is unparalleled. It’s very difficult to compare it to anything. You have to experience it,” Scaloni said.

The 48-year-old also admitted that while Argentina can build another quality side, Messi’s unique presence cannot simply be replaced.

“We can put together a great team with new guys who keep coming up, but I’ve never seen that aura in anyone else. What he generates won’t be there anymore. We’ll look for new tools, but that feeling won’t be there,” he added.

For Scaloni, however, the task now is not to find another Messi but to create a new Argentina capable of succeeding without him.

“Having enjoyed him has been incredible, and we’ll have to move on without him,” he said.

With Messi now stepping away from international football, Argentina are entering unfamiliar territory. But with Scaloni seemingly ready to stay, the Albiceleste will have a familiar hand guiding them into the post-Messi era.