Lionel Scaloni, the coach of Argentina, demonstrated sportsmanship by refusing to make excuses for the defeat in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, where his team barely shot on goal until after the 90 minutes. When questioned about the refereeing, the coach acknowledged Spain’s superiority, which won 1-0 with a goal from Ferran in extra time. Returning to Argentina and confronted about whether the refereeing was unfair, Scaloni was direct and emphatic in his response. “No, we lost because they were better, guys. We have to acknowledge it, we have to recognize that they played better. We certainly reached our limit, that’s the reality, but sometimes it’s good to recognize, and I believe that will make us better, without a doubt,” he stated. The coach lamented not being able to secure victory for the Argentine people. “We couldn’t win. We are aware, we play for the joy of our people, and that’s why it hurts. We will continue to fight,” he added. Back in his hometown of Pujato, the coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort. “I’m happy to be home. We lost. We weren’t winners, but I believe we have to be satisfied. It hurts not to bring joy to the people. We play for them and for our families. We gave everything,” he emphasized. Regarding his future with the national team, a topic widely debated after the final, Scaloni admitted that it’s normal to rethink the future. “These are things that after a tournament like this are normal. Until December, we are here. I believe the most important thing in all of this is how things happened, how people understood that the team gave everything. The most important thing is the national team, not who is in charge, whether it’s me or not,” he explained. Scaloni also categorically denied rumors circulating on social media about alleged pressures and internal conflicts aimed at destabilizing the team before the final, expressing surprise at the journalists’ questions. “I don’t know, I don’t see social media, guys, I don’t have it,” he replied when asked about a supposed talk from Messi and external pressures. When pressed about the unity of the group, the coach definitively closed the subject: “No, I can’t believe what you’re asking me.”
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