Lionel Scaloni: Argentina Coach Threatens to Resign Amid World Cup Bonus Question

• Lionel Scaloni revealed that he was considering leaving his post as Argentina's head coach
• Scaloni spoke minutes after leading his side to a 1-0 victory over Brazil on November 22
• It is alleged that the coaching staff are yet to receive bonuses for winning the World Cup

Soon after Argentina's hard-fought win over Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Maracana Stadium, head coach Lionel Scaloni dropped a bombshell.

Scaloni insinuated that he might leave his role as national manager, insisting that a country of Argentina's stature needed a manager who 'gave his all'.

"Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well. I need to stop the ball and start thinking; I have a lot of things to think about during this time," said Scaloni, as quoted by BBC Sports.

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Argentina players, led by goa-lscorer Nicolas Otamendi and Cuti Romero, admitted that Scaloni hadn't told them anything yet.

The decision to leave or to stay won't be rushed, given there will be no international football for the next four months. However, there is a growing belief that the World Cup-winning manager will choose to stay after soul searching.

Why Scaloni wants to quit Argentina job

But the question remains: why leave a well-functioning machine 11 months after winning the grandest of all prizes?

It is reported that there is ongoing friction between members of the coaching bench and the Argentine FA, led by Claudio Tapia. All About Argentina reports that Scaloni's team feel underappreciated by the FA and are allegedly yet to receive their bonuses of winning the World Cup to date.

Scaloni is expected to have a chat with Tapia in the subsequent days to discuss his future ahead of the 2024 Cop America to be held in the United States. Argentina are the defending champions.

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Messi's experiences at the Maracana

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi's best and worst moments at the iconic Maracana Stadium in fellow South American nation, Brazil.

The biggest heartbreak of his footballing career happened in this iconic venue, with Argentina losing to Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final.

Messi got redemption at the stadium seven years later when he led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final.