‘My plan A, B and C is Scaloni’: Tapia backs World Cup-winning coach to stay

Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia has reaffirmed his full support for national team coach Lionel Scaloni, insisting the World Cup-winning manager remains his only choice to lead the Albiceleste despite ongoing speculation over his future.

Speaking to TyC Sports, Tapia said he hopes Scaloni will extend his contract, stressing that the 48-year-old coach is his "plan A, B and C" for the Argentina job.

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"I love Gringo very much. He went through some tough times here," Tapia said, referring to Scaloni by his nickname. "We all want him to stay. The talks were very advanced."

The AFA chief revealed that he maintains regular contact with Scaloni and believes the coach will take the time he needs before making a final decision on his future.

"Everyone has their own time to grieve," Tapia said, adding that he remains optimistic about convincing Scaloni to continue leading the national team.

Tapia also made it clear that the Argentine Football Association is not considering alternative candidates should Scaloni decide to step down.

Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its football history, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima against Italy.

"My plan A, B and C is Scaloni," he said.

The AFA president credited Scaloni with building a team that united the country through its achievements.

"People identified with this group, and the nation has never experienced so much joy as with this national team," Tapia said. "Perhaps my greatest success was choosing who leads the national team and standing by him."

Scaloni first took charge of Argentina on an interim basis in 2018 after serving as part of Jorge Sampaoli's coaching staff before being appointed permanently.

Under his leadership, Argentina enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its football history, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima against Italy.

Argentina also reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final but fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time. Following the defeat, an emotional Scaloni admitted he was uncertain about his future.

"I don't know if I can achieve anything greater than this," the coach said after the final, leaving open the possibility of ending his tenure.

Scaloni's current contract runs until December this year. Argentina are scheduled to play three international friendlies during the September-October FIFA window and two more in November.

Tapia said discussions over Scaloni's future are expected to continue during one of those training camps, reiterating that retaining the coach remains the AFA's top priority.