‘Spain were the better team’, Scaloni reacts as Argentina lose World Cup crown
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
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Outcome reported
- Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, acknowledged Spain's superiority in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after a 1-0 extra-time defeat.
- Scaloni expressed pride in his team's performance and urged acceptance of defeat with dignity.
- He thanked the supporters and emphasized the value of reaching consecutive finals, despite the loss.
Argentina's dream of retaining the FIFA World Cup title ended in heartbreak as they succumbed to a 1-0 extra-time defeat against Spain in the 2026 final. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the second period of extra time, ending Argentina's bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to defend the World Cup.
They were the better side, that’s the truth, but I’ll cherish the memory of them, of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni candidly admitted that Spain was the better team on the day. "They were the better side, that’s the truth, but I’ll cherish the memory of them, of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far," Scaloni said. Despite the disappointment, he stressed the importance of graciousness in defeat, mirroring the team's conduct in victory. "We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose," he added.
We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.
Scaloni reserved special praise for Argentina's passionate supporters, thanking them for their unwavering backing throughout the tournament. "To the people, my players, and the country, I want to say that we gave it our all," he stated. He urged his team and the nation to look forward, emphasizing resilience. "We have to pick ourselves up again. There is no other way."
To the people, my players, and the country, I want to say that we gave it our all.
Despite the final loss, Scaloni defended the significance of Argentina's achievement in reaching a second consecutive World Cup final. "I certainly value the runners-up spot because it takes so much to get here, and I think it deserves huge recognition," he said. He expressed gratitude alongside sadness, highlighting the team's commitment and character displayed throughout their remarkable campaign.
We have to pick ourselves up again. There is no other way.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Premium Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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