Scaloni Uncertain on Future, Praises Argentina's Fans Despite World Cup Final Loss

Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentine national football team, maintained ambiguity regarding his future on Tuesday, while expressing gratitude for the massive fan reception upon the team's return to Argentina after their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

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When we were on the bus yesterday, seeing those seven, eight, or nine-year-old kids who were happy despite not winning is something wonderful.

"When we were on the bus yesterday, seeing those seven, eight, or nine-year-old kids who were happy despite not winning is something wonderful," Scaloni said, speaking to media outlets as he left the Argentine Football Association (AFA) premises in Ezeiza, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Responding to questions about the large crowd that greeted the team on Monday, Scaloni described it as "Impressive, very nice. It's good that it's celebrated, even though it's hard to digest not winning." He added, "But it also does us good to know that we didn't win, and that in defeat, we are also noble and can draw positive things from it." He emphasized that "You can lose, yes, but what this group has left behind is something very beautiful for the people."

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Impressive, very nice. It's good that it's celebrated, even though it's hard to digest not winning.

When pressed about his future, the coach confirmed he would stay in his position at least until December, when his contract ends. However, he sidestepped questions about a potential renewal, stressing that he had never dreamed of achieving what he has in his nearly eight years leading the national team. "The most important thing about all of this is how things unfolded, how the people understood that the team gave everything, and as for what happens next, the most important thing is Argentina, the national team, and whoever is in charge, whether it's me or not, the most important thing is unity and connection," he stated, acknowledging that the position of national team coach "is a place anyone would want to be."

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But it also does us good to know that we didn't win, and that in defeat, we are also noble and can draw positive things from it. You can lose, yes, but what this group has left behind is something very beautiful for the people.

Scaloni also addressed rumors of internal team conflicts, denying them categorically. He stated he had no knowledge of any potential FIFA investigations concerning incidents on the field after the final against Spain or a banner about the sovereignty of the Malvinas Islands displayed after the semifinal victory over England.

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The most important thing about all of this is how things unfolded, how the people understood that the team gave everything, and as for what happens next, the most important thing is Argentina, the national team, and whoever is in charge, whether it's me or not, the most important thing is unity and connection.