The Argentina team reached its second consecutive final in the 2026 World Cup. Although they did not win the title, Lionel Scaloni once again led a team that was very close to continuing to expand its showcases. Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), evaluated the continuity of Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi in the national team.
“Chiqui” Tapia's intentions are clear: keep Lionel Scaloni on the bench for the Argentina team. However, the Argentine leader acknowledged that the decision depends on the South American strategist.
"I want him to continue, we all want him to continue. I have to respect his decision, to meditate, to make the best decision that he believes is the correct one. I cannot keep Gringo chained, if he feels that he does not have the necessary desire or does not have any surpassing projection. I want him to be well and, for everything he gave to us, we all have to want the same, even if it hurts us and they say 'after the Scaloneta, who?'" Tapia said in a statement. compiled by Olé.
In August 2018, Lionel Scaloni took over the bench of the Argentina national team on an interim basis. So far Scaloni maintains a balance of 76 wins, 18 draws and only 10 losses. With Scaloni on the bench the Albiceleste has managed to win two Copa América, a Finalissima and a World Cup.
"This is the best team of all time. The team brought joy to all the Argentine people. It made people identify with a group, that there was a family plan, that friends said 'hey, where can we get together to watch the team?' Or go out and celebrate in the streets," the leader recalled.
Messi's future
“Chiqui” Tapia also spoke about the future of Lionel Messi in the Argentina team. The leader was questioned about the possibility that Messi could compete in the 2028 Copa América. Tapia acknowledged that everything depends on what Lionel decides, but assured that he wants to continue with the Albiceleste.
"It's his decision. We have to be proud of him. I enjoyed him on the field, he was the standard bearer of this World Cup, as in all the competitions he was in (...) He has to feel like it. In '22 we didn't know if he was going to play in '26. He said it's 'match by match' and we saw a great version, if not it was the best. Let him continue to enjoy playing football and let us enjoy it and let him make the decision that he feels is right," he added.
