The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially begun its search for a new national team manager as Lionel Scaloni’s departure becomes increasingly likely when his contract expires this December.
Scaloni hinted at the end of his iconic tenure following Argentina’s 1–0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He confirmed that he will remain at the helm until December before making his final decision regarding his future with La Albiceleste.
Diego Simeone: Argentina’s Dream Candidate
The ultimate dream for the Argentine Federation is to convince Diego Simeone to take over the national team. “El Cholo” has established himself among the world’s elite managers through his historic and legendary tenure with Atlético Madrid.
However, signing Simeone remains a highly complex operation. He is under contract with Atlético Madrid until June 2027 and currently commands an estimated salary of €29.8 million per year—making him the highest-paid football manager in the world.
Marcelo Gallardo: The Most Realistic Successor
With Simeone representing a costly dream, Marcelo Gallardo has emerged as the most realistic candidate to succeed Scaloni, according to transfer expert Nicolò Schira.
Gallardo’s current availability works strongly in his favor, having concluded his second spell with River Plate last February. The 50-year-old manager boasts extensive knowledge of Argentine football and an impressive trophy haul, having won 14 titles during his historic first stint with River Plate, including two Copa Libertadores trophies.
Following a brief managerial stint with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad before his return to River Plate, Gallardo’s strong connection to the local football ecosystem and his proven ability to manage star players make him the pragmatic choice to lead Argentina into a new era.
While the AFA has yet to make an official announcement, the scenario is clear: Simeone is the dream, but Gallardo stands as the most practical heir to a legendary era that yielded a World Cup victory and two Copa América titles.
