Will Messi lose his mentor? World Cup winner with Argentina could replace Arbeloa

Lionel Messi could soon see a familiar figure step away from the international stage, with reports suggesting Real Madrid have reached out to Lionel Scaloni as they consider a managerial change involving Alvaro Arbeloa. The Argentine boss is being viewed as a potential option to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu should Madrid decide to move on from their current coach.

The club is navigating a difficult phase, with inconsistency and a growing gap behind Barcelona in La Liga leaving little left to fight for this season. As a result, scrutiny around Arbeloa continues to intensify. His time on the sidelines has largely been seen as a short-term solution, and the board is now actively exploring more established alternatives.

A number of high-profile candidates have already been mentioned in connection with the role. Names like Cesc Fabregas, Jurgen Klopp, and even France head coach Didier Deschamps are believed to be under consideration by club president Florentino Perez. Still, the emergence of Scaloni stands out, particularly given his strong association with Barcelona’s greatest-ever player.

Spanish outlet El Partidazo de Cope reports that Madrid have already initiated contact with the 47-year-old. Since leading Argentina to both Copa America and World Cup success, Scaloni’s reputation has surged, establishing him as one of the standout tacticians in international football. His skill in handling elite talents—especially Messi—has not gone unnoticed in Madrid.

A switch to club football would mark a major turning point for Scaloni, who has spent years shaping a dominant Argentina side. For Madrid, bringing in a coach of his stature would signal serious ambition, though any potential move is complicated by his current commitments.

Scaloni remains under contract with the Argentine FA through the 2026 World Cup, and despite increasing links to European giants, he has kept his focus firmly on his national team duties. Speaking about his future in March, he avoided giving anything away:

"I’m thinking about what’s coming up next; I’ve never been one to think too far ahead. I don’t think it’s appropriate because it distracts you from what’s happening. I have the best relationship with the president, and if I have to sit down and talk, I’ll do it without any problem," he stated.