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Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni's future remains uncertain as he considers whether to continue after the crushing defeat in the 2026 World Cup final. Even amid that doubt, AFA president Claudio Tapia has made his position unmistakably clear, saying there is no alternative to the man who guided the Albiceleste to world glory four years earlier.

AFA president says Scaloni is still 'Plan A, B, and C'

Tapia has dismissed all suggestions that the federation is looking for a new coach, despite increasing speculation over Scaloni's future. After the end of the 2026 World Cup, in which Argentina lost to Spain in the final, the AFA president remains firm that the mastermind behind the Albiceleste's 2022 success is the only person suited to the role.

Tapia said in an interview with TyC Sport: "Without a doubt, I want him to stay, we all want him to stay. We have spoken, and he has even expressed it himself as well, that the conversations were very advanced. I am a grateful guy, and that’s why I think we have to let him meditate, make the right decision, and we have to respect it.

"I can’t keep Scaloni chained up if he feels he doesn’t have the desire or doesn’t have a better projection. I want him to be well, and we should all want the same, even if it hurts us."

The federation president stressed that there is no backup plan, even though Scaloni's present contract is due to run out in December 2026. When asked about possible replacements or any contingency strategy, Tapia replied: "No, my Plan A, B, and C is Scaloni."

Emotional toll of the 2026 World Cup final

The uncertainty has come from Scaloni's own emotional response after a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Spain at MetLife Stadium. The coach could not complete his post-match press conference and broke down in tears while reflecting on what could be the end of an era.

"In order to continue, you need a great deal of things. That is very difficult to recreate again," he said. "We tried to the last minute to give our all [in the final]. I think it’s only fair that I take the time to think this through.

"I will talk to the president. I will see out my contract. I know what I want to do. I feel the need to think. I don’t know if something this big can be done [again]."

The challenge of a squad revolution

A key reason behind Scaloni's hesitation is the major rebuild that appears to be approaching. Argentina's 2026 squad, captained by 39-year-old Lionel Messi, was among the oldest at the tournament, while other senior figures such as Nicolas Otamendi are also nearing the final phase of their international careers. Scaloni admitted that creating a group with that level of chemistry is "hard to ever replicate".

In spite of not winning a trophy this summer, Scaloni remains immensely proud of what his side produced. He said: "I want you to remember what we tried to show this group of players, my warriors, as I called them when I spoke to my wife about them. The effort, the desire, the refusal to give up, enduring harsh criticism, the composure, the will to keep going when your legs no longer obey your brain… That is the real trophy."

Family support and the 2030 vision

As Scaloni continues to weigh his decision, he may have strong encouragement at home to remain in the job. A TyC report suggests that his wife, Elisa Montero, is firmly in favour of him staying on for the 2030 World Cup cycle. Based in Mallorca, Montero reportedly feels that the happiness Scaloni gets from working with his coaching staff and the national team is greater than the enormous pressure that comes with the position.

Scaloni's record underlines why the AFA are so keen to keep him, with more than 78 wins and only 10 defeats since he took charge in 2018. In that spell, he has won two Copa America titles, the Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup. As the AFA plans for what lies ahead, it remains convinced that no other candidate can reproduce what he has achieved.