Lionel Messi could lose his long-term mentor at Argentina's national team, as Real Madrid have reportedly contacted Lionel Scaloni about the possibility of him replacing Álvaro Arbeloa.
The world champion is one of the candidates to take over at the Santiago Bernabéu if Los Blancos decide to part ways with Arbelo.
The real world is in a period of transition and uncertainty.
With the club currently 11 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and with few targets remaining this season, the pressure on coach Arbeloa is mounting.
His tenure on the bench has always been seen as a temporary solution, while club leaders are already looking for a big-name successor.
Several big names have already been linked with the hotly-contested position, including Cesc Fàbregas, Jürgen Klopp and even France coach Didier Deschamps.
But, the latest and most interesting name of president Florentino Perez is that of a coach with strong ties to the greatest legend of Real Madrid's historical rival.
According to Spanish radio station "El Partidazo de COPE", Real Madrid has made official contact with Lionel Scaloni, reports "Gazeta Express".
The 47-year-old has significantly enhanced his reputation after leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America and the World Cup, confirming himself as one of the most successful coaches in international football.
His ability to manage big players, including Lionel Messi, has caught the attention of Real Madrid's management.
Such a move would represent a major change for Scaloni, who has been building a winning project with Argentina for years.
Scaloni is contracted with the Argentine Football Federation until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Despite interest from European clubs, he has remained focused on his current duty with the national team.
At a press conference in March, he was reserved about his future:
"I'm just thinking about what's ahead, I'm not one to plan too far ahead. It's not appropriate because it distracts you," he said.
"I have a very good relationship with the president and if we need to sit down to talk, I will do it without a problem." /Express newspaper
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