Scaloni in tears after the final: calls Messi “the best ever”
According to Sports.
Context
Lionel Scaloni, after the defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, faces a decisive moment in his career as coach of Argentina. His ability to lead the team into a new era, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching, will be crucial to the future of Argentine football. The relationship with players like Messi and injury management will be determining factors in your decision whether or not to continue in the role.
Why this matters
Argentina's defeat in the 2026 World Cup final had a significant impact on the team's morale and future trajectory under Scaloni's leadership. Scaloni's praise of Messi as 'the best ever' highlights the captain's importance in the recent history of Argentine football, especially as the country prepares for the next competition cycle. Scaloni's need to reflect on his future could influence the continuity of the project that led Argentina to the Copa América title.
Main conclusions
- Scaloni in tears after the final: calls Messi “the best ever”.
- Lionel Scaloni, in tears after Argentina's 1-0 defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, asked for time to think about the future, highlighted the difficulties with injuries and the expulsion of Enzo Fernández and once again praised Lionel Messi as the best ever.
- Lionel Scaloni: Messi 'best to ever stand on a pitch,' says Argentina boss in tear-filled World Cup recap - Yahoo Sports.
Lionel Scaloni left the press room in tears after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Argentine coach was applauded twice during the conference, in a moment of strong emotional charge that reflected the weight of the defeat and the exhaustion of a demanding campaign.
Visibly affected, Scaloni asked for time to reflect on his immediate future at the helm of the South American champion team. "It was a dream to play in this final and we fought until the last minute. Staff, players and I. It's fair that I have some time to think", he said, highlighting the need to "reset your mind" before making a decision. The coach admitted the difficulty in building a group as cohesive as the current one, something he considered “very difficult to recreate”, apologizing for the outcome and ending the conference in an emotional way.
In the balance of the game, Scaloni pointed to the physical setbacks in the defense as a determining factor. "We had a lot of setbacks with injuries in key positions. We were forced to replace three of the four defenders", he acknowledged, stressing that, against a team like Spain, not being at 100% "makes you suffer". Despite the goal conceded, Argentina believed they could draw until the end.
Another key moment mentioned by the coach was the expulsion of Enzo Fernández, due to the accumulation of yellow cards, which further limited tactical options. In Scaloni's reading, the first yellow could have been avoided, even though he admitted that “it is what it is” when the referee decides. With one less, the Albiceleste team lost room for maneuver to adjust the game plan and was forced to make additional efforts in an already balanced final.
Asked about Lionel Messi, 39 years old, the selector avoided entering into conversations about the captain's future, but left new unequivocal praise. "There is nothing new to discover. He will play until he decides not to. He is the best player who has ever set foot on the pitch", he highlighted, underlining everyone's unconditional support for the Argentine striker and their pride in what he achieved in this tournament and throughout his career.
The final, played at the MetLife Stadium — one of the reference stages of the World Cup organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada — ended with Spain holding on to the minimum advantage and lifting the trophy, in a duel of enormous intensity. Without revealing the authors of the goal, Scaloni preferred to focus the analysis on his team's response, conditioned by injuries and numerical inferiority.
The image of the coach in tears and the ovation received in the press room summarize what Argentina's journey was: a supportive group, which resisted several difficulties and was one step away from defending the title. Now, Scaloni wants time to “reset the system” and consider the next steps, while the federation and fans await his decision after a remarkable night at the 2026 World Cup.
What happens next
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Scaloni will have to carefully consider his position and team formation. Managing injuries and building a cohesive group will be crucial to Argentina's success in future competitions. Scaloni's decision could also affect the team's preparation for the challenges that lie ahead, including the need to integrate new talent and maintain competitiveness on the international stage.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the final between Argentina and Spain?
Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 against Spain.
How did the defeat impact the 2026 World Cup table?
Argentina's defeat in the final means they did not win the title, placing second at the 2026 World Cup.
What is Argentina's next game after the final?
Argentina's next game has not yet been announced, as Lionel Scaloni asked for time to reflect on the future of the team.
Who was sent off during the final between Argentina and Spain?
Enz
Fernández was sent off for accumulating yellow cards during the final.
What did Scaloni say about the future of the Argentine national team?
Scaloni asked for time to think about the immediate future at the head of the national team, highlighting the difficulty of recreating a cohesive group.