EAST RUTHERFORD: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team following his side’s 1-0 extra-time defeat in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the second period of extra time as Spain finally beat 10-man Argentina to win 1-0 at MetLife Stadium.
The South American champions, led by Lionel Messi, were looking to become the first team since 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
“They were the better team – that’s the truth – but I will cherish the memory of them (his team), what they accomplished and the value of getting here,” said Scaloni, who later broke down in tears during his post-match press conference.
“We have to place immense value on this because it takes a lot of effort.”
Scaloni, who had to end an ugly skirmish after the final whistle involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, said his team had to accept defeat with the same grace they had shown in celebrating their recent successes.
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today we show that we know how to lose,” he said. “We lost the game and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
He thanked the fans for their incredible support throughout the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“To the people, to my players and to the country, I want to say that we gave everything,” he said.
“We arrived here facing a realistic situation, but if the players leave everything on the pitch, like they did today, it sets a great example for our people and our country.
“We have to get back up, there is no other way,” he added.
Scaloni, 48, said Argentina’s success in reaching a second consecutive final should be appreciated.
“I certainly appreciate second place because it takes a lot to get here, and I think it deserves huge recognition,” he said.
“Of course we would have liked to win, but in the end I feel grateful. That’s the only word I have, along with sadness of course.
“But when you give it your all like that, whether you play well or badly, it’s very difficult to find fault.”
Scaloni then cast doubt on his long-term future as Argentina coach, suggesting he could choose to step down when his current contract ends in December.
Reports in Argentina indicate he has already reached a verbal agreement to continue until the 2030 World Cup.
“I already have an idea of what I want to do,” he said. “I will honor the contract and then I will see.
“I feel the need to think, because I don’t know if it is possible to achieve something as big as this,” Scaloni added during his press conference, before bursting into tears.
