Scaloni Stays Until 2030 Without Messi, Argentina Coach in Tears on the Day He Renewed His Contract

Lionel Scaloni could not hold back tears as he completed the formalities of renewing his contract as Argentina's coach until the 2030 World Cup. Argentine supporters smiled when they saw him cry at that moment yesterday.

The story of Scaloni staying on did not begin yesterday. After the defeat in the World Cup final last July, he had said he would remain Argentina's coach until December and might stop after that. Supporters were dismayed at the prospect of losing the coach who brought Argentina three major titles, including the World Cup.

Then came the episode involving nine-year-old Franco Ottaviani. After the final defeat Scaloni had gone to his home town of Pujato. Little Franco arrived there with his family, carrying a contract written on a piece of white paper. His request was that Scaloni sign it.

Scaloni signed that paper in a way meant to comfort the boy. But once the news appeared in the Argentine media, the whole country became emotional like Franco. The supporters had one call: stay, Scaloni. In the end he listened to that call.

By signing the Argentina Football Association's real contract, he has confirmed that he will remain in the sky-blue-and-white dugout until the 2030 World Cup. The love of more than 45 million Argentines, and his attachment to the flag and the national team jersey, were cited as reasons for staying.

The biggest challenge in this decision, however, revolves around Lionel Messi. Messi occupied the largest part of Scaloni's success story after he took over as coach in 2018. But Messi put away his national team jersey last September. Scaloni's previous contract was due to expire next month. Renewing for another four years in such a situation is somewhat of a risky decision.

According to Argentine media reports, four major reasons lay behind Scaloni's decision to stay: the challenge of bringing Argentina success without Messi, the supporters' love, the settling of his dispute with his friend and AFA president Claudio Tapia, and a pay rise.

Tapia's role was also important here. When fears arose after the World Cup final defeat that Scaloni might leave, it was Tapia who first said in the dressing room at MetLife Stadium that they would persuade Scaloni to stay. Tapia knew Scaloni could not be held back merely by showing him a contract; his feelings had to be understood as well.

Taking on a challenge is nothing new for Scaloni. After Jorge Sampaoli's failure at the 2018 World Cup, he took over as head coach from his role as assistant coach, and uncertainty lay ahead then too. The only difference this time is that he will have to move forward without Messi.

After the final defeat, Scaloni spoke on the one hand about the possibility of stepping down, and on the other hand thought about Argentina's future after Messi. In announcing his first squad after the World Cup, he also took decisions such as dropping several important players.