EAST RUTHERFORD: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team after 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 broke down 10-man Argentina to win 1-0 at MetLife Stadium.
The South American champions, led by Lionel Messi, had been seeking to become the first team since 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
“They were the better side – that’s the truth – but I want to cherish the memory of them (his team), of what they achieved and of the value of making it this far,” said Scaloni, who later broke down in tears at his post-match press conference.
“We have to put huge value on this because it takes so much effort.”
Scaloni, who had to break up an ugly scuffle after the final whistle involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, said his side must accept defeat with the same grace they had shown when celebrating 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, my players and the country, I want to say we gave everything,” he said.
“We arrived here with a realistic situation, but if the players leave everything on the pitch like they did today, it’s a good example for our people and our country.
“We have to pick ourselves up again, there is no other way,” he added.
Scaloni, 48, said Argentina’s achievement in reaching a second consecutive final should be appreciated.
“I definitely appreciate second place because it takes so much to get here and I think it deserves a huge amount of recognition,” he said.
“Obviously we would have liked to win, but at the end of the day I feel gratitude. That’s the only word I have, along with of course sadness.
“But when you give everything like that, whether you play well or badly, it’s very hard to find fault.”
Scaloni later cast doubt on his long-term future as Argentina coach, suggesting he may opt to step down when his existing contract expires in December.
Reports in Argentina have said 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 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 at his press conference before breaking down in tears.
