Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s national team coach, gave an exclusive interview to Flashscore, discussing the team’s future after Lionel Messi’s departure, the rise of young talents like Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono, and plans for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In Buenos Aires, preparing for matches against Venezuela and Ecuador, Scaloni highlighted the squad’s current strength and the need to cherish Messi’s present contributions while planning for a new generation. The interview, conducted in September 2025, reinforces confidence in the project that led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América victories. Scaloni also shared memorable moments from the Qatar triumph and his expectations for the next World Cup, to be held across three countries. His pragmatic vision and focus on the immediate show how he handles the pressure of leading one of the world’s most successful teams.
Argentina is experiencing a period of consolidation in football. Under Scaloni’s leadership, the team has achieved remarkable results, including the 2022 World Cup and two consecutive Copa América titles. The coach, who took over in 2018, transformed the team into a competitive machine with a solid and adaptable playing style, even without Messi at times.
- Recent achievements: 2022 World Cup, 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles.
- Versatile squad: Players like Enzo Fernández and Cuti Romero ensure stability.
- Emerging talents: Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono shine as prospects.
- Immediate focus: Qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.
Argentina’s success is not just about individual talent but a collective philosophy Scaloni has masterfully implemented.
Messi’s era and the team’s future
Lionel Messi’s impending farewell, confirmed as his last official match on Argentine soil for the national team, marks a turning point for global football. Scaloni emphasized that Messi’s impact transcends the pitch, influencing teammates, opponents, and even referees. “When he decides not to come, the loss will be immense, not just for Argentine football but for the world,” he stated. The coach, however, focuses on enjoying the present, highlighting Messi’s importance in training and matches.
Scaloni was clear that there will be no direct heir to Messi. “He’s incomparable; what he’s done over such a long period is unrepeatable,” he declared. This view underscores the uniqueness of the number 10, who remains a technical and emotional reference for the squad. Scaloni also shared unique moments with Messi, like games where the star played despite physical limitations, showing unmatched resilience.
- Messi’s impact: Significant presence in the locker room and on the field.
- No direct successor: Scaloni rules out comparisons with other players.
- Enjoying the present: Focus on maximizing Messi’s participation until 2026.
Despite the weight of Messi’s exit, Scaloni trusts the team’s solid foundation to remain competitive.
Rising young talents
The renewal of Argentina’s national team is a cornerstone of Scaloni’s project. Players like Nico Paz, from Como, and Franco Mastantuono, from Real Madrid, are seen as key to the future. Nico Paz, under Cesc Fàbregas’ guidance, has stood out for his offensive play and versatility. “He’s a complete player, with goals and defensive work,” Scaloni assessed. Meanwhile, Mastantuono, even younger, impresses with his quick adaptation to Real Madrid, one of the world’s biggest clubs.
The coach takes a cautious approach with the youngsters, respecting their development timeline. “They need to adapt, but they have a bright future,” he said about Mastantuono. The coaching staff, including Walter Samuel, maintains close contact with clubs to monitor their progress.
- Nico Paz: Standout at Como with offensive and physical play.
- Franco Mastantuono: Young prospect thriving at Real Madrid.
- Close monitoring: Coaching staff tracks players’ development.
- Strategic patience: Scaloni avoids rushing young players’ integration.
The investment in new talents reflects Scaloni’s long-term vision, balancing experience and youth in the squad.
Established stars in the squad
Beyond the youngsters, Scaloni highlighted established players like Enzo Fernández, Cuti Romero, and Rodrigo De Paul. Enzo, a key figure at Chelsea, is seen as a potential leader, though Scaloni avoids labels. “He can handle pressure, as he showed in the World Cup,” he said. Cuti Romero, who renewed with Tottenham, earns praise for the stability and trust the club places in him.
Rodrigo De Paul, who surprised many by moving from Europe to Inter Miami, maintains his competitive edge, according to Scaloni. “It’s not about the league but what he does on the field,” the coach said, avoiding interference in the player’s decision. De Paul’s choice to join a project in the MLS, alongside Messi, reflects his pursuit of new challenges without compromising his relevance to the national team.
- Enzo Fernández: A reference at Chelsea and for Argentina.
- Cuti Romero: Tottenham renewal brings stability.
- Rodrigo De Paul: Successful adaptation at Inter Miami.
These players form the backbone of Argentina, ensuring continuity in Scaloni’s project.
Preparation for qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup
With qualification secured for the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni plans to use the matches against Venezuela and Ecuador to test new players and maintain the team’s playing style. “We want to give opportunities to those who haven’t played yet,” he revealed. This strategy aims to prepare the squad for the challenges of the next World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with demanding climatic and logistical conditions.
Scaloni avoided projections about his future after 2026, focusing on the present. “I don’t think beyond the next games,” he said, reinforcing his philosophy of prioritizing the immediate. The 2026 World Cup, with more teams and held across three countries, presents unique challenges like time zone changes and intense heat. The coach stressed the importance of awaiting the draw to plan preparations.
- Test matches: Venezuela and Ecuador as opportunities for new players.
- 2026 World Cup: Logistical and climatic challenges ahead.
- Present focus: Scaloni avoids planning beyond immediate commitments.
Scaloni’s pragmatic approach ensures Argentina arrives at the World Cup in competitive shape.
Memorable moments from the Qatar triumph
The interview also brought heartfelt memories of the 2022 World Cup. Scaloni highlighted the moment when, sitting on the bench, he watched the players and staff’s euphoria after the victory. “Seeing everyone running, hugging, was unique,” he recalled. That moment, like the 2021 Copa América win, remains vivid in the coach’s memory.
Scaloni’s emotional connection with the squad is a hallmark of his tenure. He values the collective effort and players’ dedication, which turned Argentina into a powerhouse again. “The players gave us this way of playing,” he said, crediting the group for the success.
- Vivid memory: Celebration on the field after the 2022 title.
- Collective effort: Success attributed to the squad’s dedication.
- Emotional leadership: Scaloni values the team’s unity.
These moments underscore the strength of Scaloni’s project, blending results with emotional bonds.
Other names and strategic decisions
Scaloni also addressed players like Giuliano Simeone and Franco Armani. Simeone, compared to his father, Diego Simeone, impresses with his competitiveness and dedication. “He has Cholo’s competitive DNA,” the coach said, praising the young forward’s drive to improve. Meanwhile, Armani, who retired from the national team, was lauded for his impact. “We respect his decision; he’s focused on River,” Scaloni said.
Scaloni’s management is marked by respect for individual choices and a focus on on-field performance. He avoids interfering in decisions like those of De Paul or Armani, prioritizing technical evaluation and commitment to the national team.
- Giuliano Simeone: Competitiveness inherited from his father.
- Franco Armani: Respect for his decision to leave the national team.
- Strategic management: Scaloni values freedom and performance.
This approach strengthens the squad’s trust in Argentina’s long-term project.
