FIFA World Cup final: Argentina’s Scaloni admits Spain was better, praises his players
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team's performance following their 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Despite the defeat, Scaloni expressed pride in his players and reflected on the legacy of Lionel Messi, while remaining uncertain about his own future as coach.
Why it matters
This report covers the conclusion of a major global sporting event and the potential transition period for a high-profile national football team.
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.
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