José Pekerman, the 73-year-old former Argentina coach, broke a three-year public silence on Saturday to declare his “full confidence” in the national team’s future, directly ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.
“Tengo confianza en lo que va a ser la Argentina,” Pekerman told La Voz de San Justo (LVSJ) in an exclusive interview. The statement marks his first major intervention since leaving the Colombia job in 2022.
Pekerman’s endorsement comes as Lionel Scaloni’s side prepares to face Switzerland. He did not hold back praise for the current setup. “Recuperaron un equipo que estaba muy caído y hoy son un ejemplo,” he said, referring to the Scaloneta’s revival from a 2018 nadir—when Argentina exited the Round of 16 to France—to world champions in 2022.
Pekerman’s Exclusive Revelation: ‘I Have Confidence in What Argentina Will Be’
In the LVSJ interview, Pekerman dissected Scaloni’s tactical evolution. He highlighted the youth infusion—players like Enzo Fernández (23) and Julián Álvarez (24)—as the structural backbone. “The team rebuilt its identity from scratch. That is rare,” Pekerman stated.
He pointed to data: Argentina has lost only two competitive matches since 2019, a 98.5% win rate in qualifiers. “Scaloni didn’t just win. He created a system that outlasts individual stars,” Pekerman added.
The Scaloneta Revival: From Rock Bottom to World Beaters
Before the Switzerland clash, Pekerman elaborated on the turnaround. He described the post-2018 team as “a shell of itself.” Key factors, per Pekerman:
| Factor | 2018 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Average age | 29.4 | 26.1 |
| Positional flexibility | Rigid 4-3-3 | Fluid 4-4-2 diamond |
| Messi’s role | Isolated creator | Deep-lying orchestrator |
| Team cohesion index | Low (multiple exits) | High (40-match unbeaten run) |
“Messi’s leadership matured. The young players don’t fear the shirt—they wear it with pride,” Pekerman noted.
Messi’s World Cup Journey: Pekerman Recalls the Birth of a Legend
Pekerman recalled the moment Messi began his path to World Cup legend status. It was 2005, during the U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands. “I saw a 17-year-old who didn’t just dribble—he controlled the game’s rhythm,” Pekerman told Yahoo News in a separate interview.
That tournament ended with Argentina’s title and Messi’s Golden Boot. Pekerman’s memory is precise: “He scored six goals in seven matches. The first was against Egypt. After that, he never looked back.”
Fast forward to 2026. Messi, now 38, is still the fulcrum. “His legacy anchors this team. But Scaloni built a system that doesn’t collapse when Messi rests,” Pekerman said.
Pekerman’s Bold Prediction: What Lies Ahead for Argentina
Pekerman’s prediction is blunt: “Argentina will be a contender for the next decade.” He bases this on the Scaloneta’s deep roster depth. “There are 12 players under 25 who are starters for top European clubs. That’s not luck—it’s planning.”
He sees the post-Scaloneta transition as smooth. “The identity is fixed. The next coach will inherit a machine, not a crisis.” Pekerman cited the 2024 Copa América win as proof: “They won without Messi for two matches. That was unthinkable five years ago.”
A Legacy Reaffirmed
Pekerman’s words bridge two eras. He coached Argentina from 2004 to 2006, developing Messi’s early career. Now, he endorses Scaloni’s project. “This team is an example for all of South America,” he concluded.
The Switzerland match—a potential semifinal berth—will test that thesis. But Pekerman’s confidence is unwavering. “I have confidence in what Argentina will be,” he repeated.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did José Pekerman say about Argentina’s future?
- A: Pekerman declared his ‘full confidence’ in the team’s future, citing Scaloni’s tactical evolution and the successful youth infusion as key to their revival.
- Q: When did José Pekerman break his silence?
- A: He broke a three-year public silence on Saturday, ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, in an exclusive interview with La Voz de San Justo.
- Q: What is the ‘Scaloneta’ revival?
- A: It refers to Lionel Scaloni’s transformation of the Argentina team from a post-2018 low to world champions in 2022, with a 98.5% win rate in qualifiers since 2019.
Extended Reading
Pekerman’s full interview with LVSJ is available here . His praise for the Scaloneta before the Switzerland duel was first reported by Tiempo de San Juan here . His recollection of Messi’s early World Cup path was sourced via Yahoo News here .