Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain deserved to win after his side suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 extra time defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
Spain claimed their second World Cup title at the New York New Jersey Stadium thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra time winner. The defeat ended Argentina’s hopes of successfully defending the trophy they won in Qatar four years earlier.
Speaking on the pitch after the final whistle, an emotional Scaloni praised his players for their effort despite accepting that Spain were the superior side on the day.
“I feel sad but I am aware that we played our hearts out. There are many things I would like to say, but I can’t really. I am forever thankful to these guys who have competed all the way. They were better to be honest. I have really fond memories of what they did and how difficult it is to get here.
“We need to attach a great deal of value to what we have done. We are big in victory and we must be big in defeat. Today we showed that we know how to lose. We lost the game and we accept that. But it doesn’t mean that we will forget everything we have done so far. I would like to tell the country that we played our hearts out.”
The Argentina manager later struggled to hold back his emotions during his post match news conference at the media centre inside the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Scaloni became visibly distressed when asked whether the final marked Lionel Messi’s last appearance at a World Cup. He admitted he had not discussed the issue with the Argentina captain and said he would instead reflect on the team’s tournament before speaking with the president of the Argentine Football Association.
“It is very painful, I am very sorry,” said an emotional Scaloni before leaving the room in tears, forcing the news conference to end early.
Former England defender Micah Richards also reflected on Messi’s performance during BBC One’s coverage, explaining how Spain’s tactical approach successfully limited the eight time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence.
“Only 54 touches for Lionel Messi and none in the box.
Everyone kept asking – how do you stop Messi? You stop Messi by retaining the ball and making him run back the other way. That is exactly what Spain did today.
He has come into this tournament, and he has been one of, if not the best players.
Off the ball, we know he’s not great, but the way he can inspire people.
It is absolutely incredible. We are witnessing greatness.”
Spain’s disciplined display prevented Messi from making his usual impact in attack as they controlled possession for long periods before Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal in extra time to seal World Cup glory. Despite the painful defeat, Argentina finished as runners up after another outstanding campaign under Scaloni, while questions remain over whether the final was Messi’s last appearance on football’s biggest stage.
