FIFA World Cup final: Argentina’s Scaloni admits Spain was better, praises his players

Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain deserved to be crowned world champions but said he could not have asked for more from his Argentina players after their 1-0 extra-time defeat in the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday (July 19, 2026).

The defending champions pushed Spain into extra-time despite playing the closing stages with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time red card, before Ferran Torres finally settled the contest.

Spain vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup final Highlights

“I feel sad,” Scaloni said. “They were better, that’s true, but I will have tremendous memories of what my players achieved. We are great in victory and must be so in defeat as well. Tonight, we showed that we know how to lose. We lost, and we accept it.”

The Argentina coach thanked the squad that had carried the nation to a second successive World Cup final after another remarkable tournament.

“Endless thanks to these players who once again took us to the final. If they give everything the way they did today, it sets a great example for the people and for our country. When you leave everything like that, it’s very hard to find fault with anything.”

Tribute to Messi

Scaloni also paid tribute to Lionel Messi, who finished what is expected to be his final World Cup with eight goals after another outstanding campaign.

“He’s 39 years old now. It was crystal clear for me that he was going to play until he decided not to,” Scaloni said. “I hope everyone feels proud of him because he’s the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch. What he did during this World Cup was incredible.”

Argentina’s Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni embrace after a World Cup
| Photo Credit:
Reuters

The 48-year-old then became visibly emotional while discussing his own future, with his contract due to expire later this year.

“I will talk to the president. I think it’s only fair that I take this time for myself,” he said. “In order to continue, you need to reset your mind. Creating a group like this again is very difficult.”

Scaloni paused, apologised to reporters and walked out of the press conference in tears, bringing an emotional end to Argentina’s reign as world champion.