- Argentina will face Bolivia in a friendly this week without Lionel Messi, who is expected to join the team for his final international game on October 6.
- Lionel Scaloni’s contract runs through the end of 2026, but his future as Argentina manager has been uncertain.
- Scaloni says he wants to continue with Argentina, with a contract renewal agreement with the Argentine Football Association still to be finalized.
Argentina prepare for Bolivia friendly amid major transition
The reigning Copa America champions and runners-up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will return to action this week when Argentina face Bolivia in a friendly on Wednesday. Lionel Messi will not be involved, although he is expected to join the national team soon for what is set to be his final international game on October 6.
Argentina are entering a period of significant uncertainty. Messi and Nicolas Otamendi are retiring from international duty, while Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul remain unsure about whether they will continue with the national team. The potential changes leave manager Lionel Scaloni with important decisions to make as he evaluates the next phase of Argentina’s squad.
Lionel Scaloni addresses Argentina contract uncertainty
Scaloni’s contract technically runs until the end of 2026, but his long-term position has been unclear. The manager has reportedly been weighing whether to remain in charge, with Messi’s departure expected to bring substantial turnover to the squad. Scaloni has also acknowledged that major changes are ahead for Argentina.
Speaking before the Bolivia friendly, Scaloni offered renewed hope that he could remain as Argentina manager. He indicated that he is negotiating a contract extension with the Argentine Football Association, known as AFA, and that both sides are open to reaching an agreement.
Whenever I come here, I hold meetings. We’ve met to work out an agreement regarding my contract renewal. Both sides are open to it, so it’s just a matter of reaching a deal; when there is something to announce, we’ll announce it.
Scaloni also said the desire to continue is present, while emphasizing the need to evaluate Argentina’s future direction and the strength of the group he has built.
We need to assess what lies ahead for us. If there weren’t any motivation, or if a great group hadn’t been built, I wouldn’t have sat down to talk. The desire to continue is there.
Scaloni’s potential continuation offers stability
Scaloni and Messi have been the two central figures behind Argentina’s historic run since 2021. Losing both at the same time would represent a major disruption for the national team, particularly as other experienced players also consider their futures.
Scaloni’s comments suggest that he is not planning to leave immediately, although a formal agreement with AFA is still required. For now, Argentina appear to have a clearer indication that their manager wants to stay as the team begins preparing for life after Messi and a wider reshaping of the squad.
Why This Matters
Argentina’s next phase will involve replacing influential leaders while preserving the standards established since 2021. Scaloni’s possible continuation would provide managerial continuity during a period in which Messi, Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul are all connected to questions about the team’s future. The immediate next step is for Scaloni and AFA to complete negotiations and announce any agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Argentina play next?
Argentina will face Bolivia in a friendly on Wednesday.
Will Lionel Messi play against Bolivia?
No. Messi is set to join Argentina soon for what is expected to be his final international game on October 6.
Is Lionel Scaloni staying as Argentina manager?
Scaloni has expressed a desire to continue, but he still needs to reach a contract renewal agreement with AFA.
