Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni leaves press conference in tears, casts doubt over future

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears and cast doubt over his future after his side’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Scaloni, whose contract with the Argentine Football Association runs until December, admitted he will hold talks with federation president Claudio Tapia before deciding whether to continue after failing to defend the title Argentina won in Qatar four years ago.

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Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner handed Spain their second FIFA World Cup crown and ended Argentina’s hopes of becoming only the third nation to successfully defend the trophy.

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Scaloni hints at Argentina’s exit after World Cup final defeat

Speaking at his post-match press conference, an emotional Scaloni said he needed time to reflect before making a decision on his future.

“I will talk to the president. I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract and I feel the need… I don’t know if something as big can be done. We need to speak this through.”

The 48-year-old thanked the Argentine Football Association for giving him the opportunity to lead the national team, describing the role as a dream, before struggling to hold back tears.

“Bear with me, I don’t know if I can continue. This place is wonderful, it is a dream place.”

Scaloni added that rebuilding a squad capable of competing at the highest level would be one of the biggest challenges.

“In order to continue you need a great deal of things, especially resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again. That is very difficult to create again.”

Scaloni hails Lionel Messi after his final World Cup appearance

The Argentina coach also praised captain Lionel Messi, who finished the tournament with eight goals but was unable to inspire his side against a dominant Spanish midfield in the final.

Scaloni revealed he had not yet discussed the 39-year-old’s international future but insisted Messi’s legacy in football is beyond question.

“He’s 39 years old now. It was crystal clear for me that he was going to play up until he decided not to.”

“I hope everyone feels proud of him and what he has achieved because he’s the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch. I have no doubt about that. What he did during this World Cup was incredible, and so was everything he achieved before this.”

The defeat marked the end of Argentina’s reign as world champions, while Spain celebrated their first FIFA World Cup title since 2010.