Scaloni leaves press conference in tears after World Cup final defeat

EAST RUTHERFORD: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears after the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, admitting the European champions deserved to win and casting doubt on his future as national team manager.

Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the second period of extra time as Spain finally broke down 10-man Argentina to secure a 1-0 victory at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

The South American champions, led by Lionel Messi, had been seeking to become the first team since 1962 to retain the World Cup.

"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," Scaloni said before later becoming emotional at his post-match press conference.

"We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort."

Scaloni, who had to break up an ugly skirmish involving midfielder Leandro Paredes after the final whistle, said Argentina had to accept defeat with the same grace they had shown in victory.

"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."

He thanked Argentina's supporters for backing the team throughout the tournament 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."

Scaloni, 48, said reaching a second successive World Cup final remained an achievement worthy of recognition.

"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."

Scaloni's contract expires in December and he was overcome with emotion when asked whether he would continue in the role. Reports in Argentina have said he has already reached a verbal agreement to stay on through to the 2030 World Cup, but the coach suggested no final decision had been made.

"I will talk to the president," Scaloni said. "I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract and I feel the need, I don't know if something as big can be done. We need to speak this through."

Scaloni spoke through tears, adding: “Bear with me, I don't know if I can continue.”

"This place is wonderful, it is a dream place," he said. "We would never have imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place."

He said continuing would require a major reset after years of success with the same group.

"In order to continue you need a great deal of things, especially resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again. That is very difficult to create again," he said.

Scaloni apologised before leaving the news conference, saying: "It's really painful. I am very sorry."