Angel Di Maria demands 'lifetime contract' for Lionel Scaloni as legendary Argentina winger declares he 'loves him very much'

Di Maria has once again shown his admiration for Argentina head coach Scaloni, insisting that the World Cup-winning manager deserves a “lifetime contract”. The Rosario Central winger reflected on Scaloni’s influence since taking charge in 2018, crediting him with turning Argentina into serial winners. 

The 47-year-old who guided La Albiceleste to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 as well as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is already under contract until the 2026 World Cup. Yet Di María stressed that the coach’s impact on both the senior team and younger generations merits recognition beyond paperwork, claiming his relentless standards are the key behind Argentina’s dominance.

Scaloni’s reign has been defined by blending experience with youth, with players such as Thiago Almada becoming regulars under his guidance. His management style has instilled hunger and competitiveness into a squad that had been struggling before his arrival. For Di Maria, a World Cup hero and two-time Copa America winner, Scaloni’s legacy goes beyond trophies, representing a cultural reset for the national team.

In a candid interview with TyC Sports, the former Real Madrid winger said: "Argentina is always a contender. It's reality, this jersey forces you to do it. All this stuff about winning and continuing... There's only one person to blame, and that's Scaloni, with his coaching staff. He's the one who sticks his finger up your ass to be at 100 percent. If he doesn't see you, he'll take you out. Whoever's at their best, plays. He looks at the day-to-day and what he thinks is best for the team. The kids know that nobody gives anything away, and whoever slips even a little is out. That keeps the national team going."

He added: "We should give him a lifetime contract. Everything he's achieved, what he's doing with the national team, the players he's bringing out... Like Thiago Almada of the MLS... Today he's a starter, he's killing it in every game... It's not just what he's achieved, but what he's doing with the younger players, what he's doing with the U-20s. It's a very nice thing to recognize.

"He's someone I love very much. He deserves it. He did everything to get the national team to where it is today. He deserves to stay here for many more years."

Scaloni’s current deal runs until the 2026 World Cup, but Di Maria’s words echo the sentiment of many in Argentina who see the their coach as the cornerstone of continued success. While official discussions over another extension are not on the table yet, pressure will only grow for the Argentina Football Association to ensure Scaloni remains in charge well beyond the next tournament cycle.