Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has cast doubt over his future following their 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Brazil.
Scaloni guided Argentina to a World Cup triumph 11 months ago, having led his country to the Copa America title in 2021.
The 45-year-old former Argentina international was initially appointed on a caretaker basis in 2018, having previously been in charge of the Under-20 side.
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“Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well,” Scaloni said. “I need to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this time.
“These players have given a lot to the coaching staff and I need to think a lot about what I’m going to do.
“It’s not goodbye or anything, but I need to think because the bar is very high and it’s complicated to keep going and it’s complicated to keep winning.
“These guys are making it difficult, so I need to think about it for a while. I will talk to the FA president and the players afterwards.”
Argentina’s Copa America win was their first trophy in 18 years, having last won that title in 1993. The World Cup win was their third ever and first since Mexico 1986. Scaloni signed a contract extension until 2026 earlier this year.
“We are sure and hope that Scaloni will continue,” Argentina and Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero added.
“Let’s see now he will have time to think, he didn’t say anything in the dressing room about it. We will try to convince him.”
The match at the Maracana was overshadowed by crowd trouble before kick-off, which captains Lionel Messi and Marquinhos spoke out against in the aftermath.
Argentina won the game 1-0 thanks to a 63rd-minute Nicolas Otamendi header. Brazil midfielder Joelinton was sent off with nine minutes remaining and his side were unable to find an equaliser to prevent their third consecutive defeat, which leaves them sixth of 10 teams in the CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualification group. Scaloni’s side sit top of the group after five wins and one loss from their opening six fixtures.
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(Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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