Enzo Fernandez urges Argentina to retain Lionel Scaloni after 7-0 win
Enzo Fernandez has urged Argentina to keep Lionel Scaloni in charge as the world champions prepare for life after Lionel Messi.
The 25-year-old midfielder made his case after Argentina swept Burkina Faso aside 7-0 at the Estadio Monumental, insisting the national side’s recent trophy-laden run has been built on Scaloni’s work.
“It would be very important for us that Lionel stays; he built all of this,” Fernandez said. “We have to keep competing at the highest level.”
Argentina now face the challenge of replacing Messi when their captain ends his international career. Fernandez said the squad must accept the change while protecting the standards set during Scaloni’s reign.
“Now we have to process the fact that Leo is leaving and continue on the same path we’ve been on,” he added.
AFA offer on the table
The Argentine Football Association has proposed an extension that would keep Scaloni in the post through the 2028 Copa America, with an option for a further two years covering the 2030 World Cup.
Talks between AFA president Claudio Tapia and Scaloni’s representatives are continuing. Scaloni’s current deal runs until December 2026, and the decisive factor is understood to be whether he has the desire to lead Argentina through the coming rebuild.
The leadership transition has already started inside the camp, with Cristian Romero selected as Argentina’s new captain.
What happens next
Argentina will complete the international window against Benin at the Estadio Monumental, in a match set to serve as Messi’s formal farewell for the national team.
The friendly will offer another early indication of how Scaloni’s side function without their long-time number 10, particularly in the possession and passing combinations that have defined the team’s recent success.
Once the break is over, Scaloni’s response to the AFA proposal will shape Argentina’s plans for continuity heading towards the next major tournaments.
