Lionel Scaloni extends his contract: the target is the 2030 World Cup

Lionel Scaloni has signed a new long-term contract with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and is aiming to become the first head coach to lead the national team at three World Cups.

Scaloni, who led his country to World Cup glory in 2022 and to two Copa América titles, was beaten by Spain in the final four years later.

There had been speculation over whether the 48-year-old would continue in the role he has held for eight years after the final defeat by Spain in July, but he has now signed a new contract that will keep him in charge of Argentina until 2030, when the next tournament takes place.

Appearing before the media alongside AFA president Claudio Tapia, Scaloni thanked the federation and said: "It's what we all wanted. We are in the same place, with the same excitement and desire as on the first day; otherwise it would be impossible to be here."

Scaloni took charge in September 2018, after the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where Argentina were knocked out in the round of 16. Since then the head coach has put together an impressive record of 79 wins, 18 draws and only 10 defeats, and he led the team on a remarkable 36-match unbeaten run between July 2019 and November 2022.

Scaloni is also one of only three head coaches in history to have won both the World Cup (2022) and the Copa América (2021 and 2024), after Mario Zagallo and Carlos Alberto Parreira, who achieved the same feat with Brazil.

AFA president Tapia, who described the announcement as important both for the federation and for all Argentinians, said: "With this four-year extension on top of the first eight years, Scaloni will hold the title of the head coach who has led the Argentina national team at the most World Cups. He will take on the responsibility of leading the team at three different tournaments."