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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Real Madrid linked to new boss</li><li>Targeting Argentina's Scaloni</li><li>Messi's friend &amp; mentor</li></ul>

Look away now Lionel Messi! Real Madrid open talks with Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni amid uncertainty over future of Carlo Ancelotti

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

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Real Madrid

The Spanish side have circled on the Argentina boss as they open preliminary talks, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/okdobleamarilla">Doble Amarilla</a>. Coming off a FIFA World Cup title, Scaloni is on top of the world - including a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/argentina-player-ratings-brazil-nicolas-otamendi-lionel-messi/blt9834fc98f4b40d0a" target="_blank">recent pummeling of Brazil </a>on the road in CONMBEOL World Cup qualifying. The Argentine, however,<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-lose-mentor-argentina-boss-lionel-scaloni-shock-resignation-hint-world-cup-qualifying-win-brazil/blt9d9a9e3d0243e5b9" target="_blank"> sent mixed signals postgame about his future at the realm of the team</a>, leading to Madrid's instant enquiry.

WHAT HAPPENED?

It's well-known that the 45-year-old boss is good friends with Messi, who is nine years younger than his mentor. He took the Argentina job after the 2018 World Cup - where La Albiceleste exited in the round of 16 - and in his first showing on the biggest stage, he took them to the winner's podium. However, questions will be raised that if Scaloni leaves, will Messi join him in departing? At 36-years-old, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-will-play-at-2026-world-cup-if-argentina-retain-the-copa-america-insists-nicolas-tagliafico/bltd42a16e942d1fed9" target="_blank">Messi's time on the international stage may be coming to a close.</a>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Scaloni made his Argentina debut in 2003, and played in the 2006 World Cup with his country. He was a shock selection, taking the place of Javier Zanetti - who also played as a right wing-back.

DID YOU KNOW?

Los Blancos return to action on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League against Napoli as they look to further their lead in group C. Argentina meanwhile, are done for the calendar year - so for Scaloni, he has time to think ahead of where his future may lie.

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID AND SCALONI?

Look away now Lionel Messi! Real Madrid open talks with Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni amid uncertainty over future of Carlo Ancelotti | Goal.com

Per a report, Real Madrid could target Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni as their next head coach.