Spain deserved World Cup win, Argentina still proud-Scaloni

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain deserved to win the 2026 World Cup final after his team's 0-1 defeat in extra time. The loss ended Argentina's dream of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

Scaloni, 48, candidly stated that Spain was the superior team on the historic night, especially after Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute. "They were the better team and that's the reality. But I will always appreciate this team, what they achieved and the value they have because reaching this point required extraordinary effort," he said.

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They were the better team and that's the reality. But I will always appreciate this team, what they achieved and the value they have because reaching this point required extraordinary effort.

The coach believes Argentina's journey to the final deserves high praise, given the challenges faced throughout the tournament while defending their champion status. He noted that despite the clear disappointment of failing to lift the trophy for a second consecutive time, reaching the final in two consecutive editions is an achievement that should not be underestimated.

"We have to place great value on this achievement because too much sacrifice was needed to be here," Scaloni added.

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We have to place great value on this achievement because too much sacrifice was needed to be here.