Lionel Scaloni Prepares Argentina for New Era with Young Talent

Lionel Scaloni, the manager of Argentina's national football team, is gearing up for an exciting new phase as he aims to incorporate young talent into the squad. With a series of home friendlies approaching, Scaloni emphasizes the importance of performance over age and the need for a smooth transition while maintaining the team's tactical identity. He reflects on the challenges of sustaining success after major victories, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles. As Argentina prepares for matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, key players like Lionel Messi are set to make significant appearances, including a farewell match on home soil.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 21, 2026, 00:01 IST

Argentina's Manager Discusses Future Plans

Buenos Aires [Argentina], September 20: Lionel Scaloni, the manager of Argentina's national football team, hinted at an exciting future for the squad, emphasizing his intention to integrate younger players into the team's framework.

His comments come ahead of a series of home friendlies scheduled from September 21 to October 6. Since taking charge in 2018, Scaloni has led Argentina to a historic FIFA World Cup 2022 victory and two Copa America titles. In the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina finished as runners-up to Spain.

In an interview with MiGu, as reported by a sports media outlet, Scaloni expressed enthusiasm about the new generation of players eager to join the senior team. He stated that age should not be a barrier, highlighting that performance and dedication are what truly matter.

Scaloni aims to ensure a seamless transition while preserving the team's tactical identity. He remarked, “Regardless of whether we are present or not, our goal is to provide young talents with the opportunity to adapt to our style. An exciting phase is about to begin.”

Addressing the psychological challenge of maintaining the team's drive, Scaloni reflected on the period following the 2024 Copa America victory in the United States. He acknowledged the difficulty of sustaining a cycle of success but expressed confidence in his players.

He also stressed the importance of fostering a strong bond between the fans and the team. “After the 2024 Copa America, I sensed that challenges lay ahead,” Scaloni noted.

“It’s tough to replicate success, and I’m not suggesting it will be easy. As a coach and leader, one must recognize the challenges that lie ahead,” he concluded.

Argentina's next match is set for September 30 against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. The team will also face Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6 at River Plate's Stadium.

Notably, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso are expected to participate in the final friendly on October 6, providing Messi with an opportunity to bid farewell to international football on home ground.