With fewer than 50 days remaining before the start of the World Cup, national team coaches are finalising preparations for their squads while supporters anticipate the tournament. At this stage, reports in both Argentine and Spanish media have drawn attention to speculation regarding Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and his possible link with Real Madrid.
According to claims circulating in Spanish media, Real Madrid are said to be interested in appointing Scaloni as part of their search for a new head coach. The matter was raised by journalist Manolo Lama on the Spanish radio programme El Partidazo de COPE. His remarks were later reported by the Spanish newspaper Marca, which cited his statements regarding the club’s reported interest.
Lama stated that Real Madrid had made contact with Scaloni and were speaking with several coaching candidates, while expressing particular interest in the Argentina manager. He also suggested that club president Florentino Pérez had personally spoken with Scaloni. Lama further compared the situation to the 2018 episode involving Julen Lopetegui, when Real Madrid announced his appointment shortly before the World Cup.
The 2018 case saw Lopetegui dismissed as Spain coach just before the tournament after his move to Real Madrid was revealed. The comparison has been referenced in relation to current reports, though no official confirmation has been made regarding any similar outcome.
Argentine media outlet TyC Sports acknowledged Real Madrid’s reported interest but included a contrasting position. It reported that individuals close to Scaloni have denied any direct contact with the Real Madrid president. Scaloni remains under contract with the Argentina national team until the 2026 World Cup. Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia has reportedly offered a contract extension, although Scaloni has not made a public decision.
Sources close to Scaloni have also indicated that he is not open to discussions regarding his future before the 2026 World Cup. It is understood that any formal consideration of his next steps is expected to take place after the tournament. Since taking charge in 2018, Scaloni has led Argentina to major international success, including the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and a World Cup victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s coaching situation has also been the subject of media discussion. The club, which appointed Álvaro Arbeloa to its senior coaching role in January, has reportedly not achieved strong results in recent seasons. Spanish media have suggested that the team is expected to finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy, and reports indicate that a change in coaching staff may follow at the end of the current campaign. It has also been widely reported in Spain that the club is assessing options for a new head coach ahead of the next season.
Summary of Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Reported interest | Real Madrid linked with Lionel Scaloni |
| Source of claim | Journalist Manolo Lama via COPE radio |
| Club position | Interest in multiple coaching candidates reported |
| Argentine response | Close sources deny direct contact with Real Madrid president |
| Scaloni contract | Argentina national team until 2026 World Cup |
| Argentina FA stance | Contract extension reportedly offered |
| Scaloni position | No decision announced; focus on national team |
| Real Madrid situation | Coaching changes and poor recent results reported in media |
Scaloni has previously stated that he has received offers from various clubs but has not confirmed any decision regarding a move into club management. He has consistently maintained that his focus remains on the national team, with any future discussions expected after the 2026 World Cup.