Just two months after Argentina's defeat to France in the World Cup final, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces its most serious comprehensive crisis in recent years.

Management scandals, financial disputes, coaching staff changes, and deteriorating relations with players have all converged to create turmoil that threatens the national team's upcoming international matches. As a result, several European-based star players are likely to miss three scheduled friendlies.

French media outlet RMC first reported the chaotic situation within the AFA. AFA President Claudio Tapia is deeply implicated in money laundering allegations and has become entangled in multiple legal investigations both domestically and internationally. The ongoing legal disputes have severely undermined the AFA's credibility and operational stability, with management turmoil now directly impacting the national team's development.

The coaching staff has also undergone significant upheaval. Lionel Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup and to the final this summer, will see his contract officially expire on December 31 of this year. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 48-year-old Scaloni is physically and mentally exhausted and has no intention of continuing in his role. His tenure as Argentina's coach is drawing to a close, and multiple assistant coaches are also considering resignation, meaning the national team will soon undergo a major coaching staff overhaul.

Conflict between players and the AFA has escalated completely, centered on disputes over unpaid bonuses and player compensation. The AFA has delayed payments of performance bonuses owed to players from previous matches, with substantial amounts still outstanding, causing widespread discontent across the squad. Additionally, the AFA had initially planned a tribute ceremony for Lionel Messi during October's international window, but the event was postponed due to the strained relationship between the two parties.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport's analysis, Lionel Messi believes he has made significant contributions to Argentine football both on and off the field, but has not received commensurate respect and compensation. This resentment has led him to completely withdraw from the national team and refuse to participate in AFA-related activities. As the conflict escalates, Argentine players based in Europe have grown increasingly apathetic, showing little enthusiasm for the upcoming training camp.

Argentina's next three friendlies are scheduled against Burkina Faso, Bolivia, and Benin. Lionel Messi has already announced his retirement and will definitely miss these matches. More concerning is the strong possibility that absolute key players like Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Mack Allister will also collectively miss this international window, significantly weakening the team's lineup.

Currently, Argentine football is plagued by internal and external difficulties, with management turmoil, financial crisis, discord between coaches and players, and the absence of key figures all compounding the situation. The team's rebuilding momentum for a new cycle has been completely disrupted, and the Pumas face an unprecedented period of instability and uncertainty.

AI翻訳。

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