Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni has admitted in shock that he is considering quitting his post after his team achieved the rare feat of beating Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.
Scaloni’s shocking statement about his future came out of nowhere during his press conference at the Maracana stadium, where Argentina had beaten their rivals 1-0 to remain at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table 2026.
“Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and is doing well… I have to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this period,” Scaloni said , who did not answer any questions. in his opening speech.
“These players have given a lot to the technical staff and I have to think a lot about what I am going to do.
“It’s not goodbye or anything, but I have to think because the bar is very high and it’s complicated to continue and it’s complicated to continue winning.
“These guys are making things difficult, so I have to think about it for a while. Then I’ll talk to the FA president and the players about it.”
The 45-year-old took over as coach in 2018 and led Argentina to the Copa America title in 2021 – their first major trophy since the 1986 World Cup – before the Albiceleste claimed their third title world championship in Qatar last year.
Its captain Lionel Messi retired from international football in 2016 before returning to shoulder the enormous burden of expecting success in a country where football has been likened to a religion.
“We are sure and hope that Scaloni will continue,” Argentina defender Cristian Romero told reporters.
“Let’s see now that he will have time to think, he didn’t say anything about it in the locker room. We will try to convince him.”
