Last Updated:
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team after his team’s reign as the world champions came to an end on Sunday.
Lionel Scaloni left the press conference in tears. (Screengrab/X/DSports)
Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears before leaving his post-match press conference after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, bringing an emotional end to his team’s title defence. The Argentina coach remained composed for much of his media interaction, admitting Spain were the better side and praising his players for their commitment before emotions overwhelmed him.
“They were the better side — that’s the truth — but I’ll cherish the memory of them (his team), of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far,” said Scaloni.
“We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort,” he added.
Scaloni also reflected on the ugly scenes after the final whistle, when he stepped in to break up a skirmish involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. He said his players had to accept defeat with the same dignity they had shown during their recent successes.
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose,” he said. “We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
The 48-year-old thanked Argentina’s supporters for backing the team throughout the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“To the people, my players, and the country, I want to say that we gave it our all,” he said. “We arrived here facing a realistic situation, but if the players leave everything on the pitch, as they did today, it sets a great example for our people and our country. We have to pick ourselves up again, there is no other way,” he added.
Scaloni said Argentina’s run to a second successive World Cup final deserved recognition despite falling short in the title match.
“I certainly value the runners-up spot because it takes so much to get here, and I think it deserves huge recognition,” he said. “Naturally, we would have liked to win, but ultimately I feel gratitude. That is the only word I have, along with sadness, of course. But when you give everything like that, regardless of whether you play well or poorly, it’s very hard to find fault.”
The emotional press conference also raised fresh questions over Scaloni’s future with the national team. While reports in Argentina have said he has already reached a verbal agreement to continue through to the 2030 World Cup, the coach suggested he could step down after his current contract expires in December.
“I already have an idea of what I want to do,” he said. “I will honor the contract and then see. I feel the need to think, because I don’t know if it’s possible to achieve something as big as this,” Scaloni added at his press conference, before breaking down in tears.
With AFP Inputs
Reports in Argentina suggest Lionel Scaloni has a verbal agreement to continue as coach through the 2030 World Cup. However, Scaloni stated he has an idea of what he wants to do next, and suggested he could step down after his current contract expires in December.
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
Read More
