Lionel Scaloni Reveals Dentist Appointment Delayed Argentina Contract Talks

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni says talks over his new contract got pushed back this week, and the reason is pretty simple: he had to go to the dentist.

Speaking to Argentine outlet Olé during the current international break, Scaloni confirmed that a planned meeting to discuss his future never happened. The Argentine Football Association has reportedly put a two year extension offer on the table, keeping him in charge through the 2030 World Cup, but as of now nothing has been signed or even properly discussed.

"Regarding my situation, there is no news," Scaloni said. "We were going to meet yesterday but I had to go to the dentist and we couldn't. There is a predisposition to sit down, for now everything is the same."

The delay comes not long after Argentina's painful defeat to Spain, a result that cost them a shot at another major title. Scaloni admitted the loss still stings. "The blow of not having won was strong. We were at the door of another world title," he said.

Even so, he says the mood around the squad has not soured. Senior players have kept backing the coaching staff, and Scaloni himself sounds ready to keep going. "There is a desire to be here," he told Olé when asked directly about staying on as coach.

He did add that a few things still need sorting out before anything is finalized. "There are a lot of aspects that we have to talk about with the president," he said.

SCALONI HABLÓ SOBRE SU FUTURO Y LA REUNIÓN PENDIENTE CON CHIQUI TAPIA 🚨🇦🇷

"Tuve tiempo de desconectar un poco, de dejar pasar la amargura por no haber podido ganar pero con la tranquilidad que se dio todo. Respecto a lo mio, no hay novedades. Nos íbamos a reunir ayer pero tuve… pic.twitter.com/VkYKsX8UOx

— Diario Olé (@DiarioOle) September 24, 2026

Scaloni has been in charge since 2018 and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup along with back to back Copa America wins, making him one of the most successful coaches in the country's history. That track record is a big part of why the federation wants him tied down through 2030.

For now, the focus shifts to matches. Argentina play Bolivia on September 30, then Burkina Faso three days later. The break wraps up on October 6 with a send off match against Benin in Buenos Aires, expected to double as an emotional farewell for Lionel Messi.