Overview
- Lionel Scaloni said he will remain Argentina coach until December 31 and will not consider other offers before that date.
- The AFA and Scaloni have opened formal renewal talks and the federation reportedly offered a ‘2+2’ contract structure that both sides say they are discussing.
- Scaloni named Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero as captain, Emiliano Martínez as vice‑captain and Lautaro Martínez as third captain, and he said the No.10 shirt will not be reassigned until Lionel Messi’s farewell match.
- Argentina’s friendly schedule is set with a match against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes followed by games versus Burkina Faso and Benin at the Monumental, with the Bolivia game limited to 50% capacity and the federation releasing Tomás Palacios and Leonel Flores to play for their clubs before rejoining the squad.
- Scaloni’s year‑end contract timetable and Messi’s undecided future will shape short‑term squad identity, selection and planning for the next Copa América cycle and the window toward the 2030 World Cup.