Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni departed his post-match press conference in tears following his team's World Cup final defeat to Spain. The 48-year-old had been aiming to secure a second consecutive World Cup title for Argentina, having led them to victory in Qatar in 2022.
Spain clinched their second World Cup title with an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres. This victory marks a significant achievement for Spain, as they have now won both the European Championship and the World Cup consecutively under manager Luis de la Fuente.
Reflecting on the tournament and the final, Scaloni stated, "To be where I am today is a dream come true. We tried right up to the very end to give it our all - both the coaching staff and the players. I think it’s only right to take this time to think about it all. It’s a beautiful position to be in. Somewhere where I dreamed of being. So to carry on, lots of things are necessary."
He continued, visibly emotional, "Above all, we need time to reset and form another group like this one. It’ll be hard to recreate this one. It hurts my soul, I’m sorry," before leaving the conference.
Scaloni's current contract with Argentina has five months remaining. He indicated that he would discuss his future with the president of the Argentine Football Association. "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. I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment," he said.
The match itself ended in controversy after the final whistle. Reports indicated that several Argentina players refused to acknowledge Spain's trophy lift, with some reportedly turning their backs on the newly crowned champions. After receiving their silver medals, the Argentine contingent reportedly moved to an area occupied by their fans, rather than watching Spain celebrate.
The final also saw multiple altercations between players from both sides. Following Torres's winning goal in the 106th minute, scuffles broke out. The tension was further heightened by Enzo Fernandez's red card in the 93rd minute for a challenge on Pau Cubarsi. At full time, Argentina's Leandro Paredes was sent off for an altercation with Eric Garcia and Gavi, while Nahuel Molina was also involved in an incident with Rodri, and Thiago Almada was noted to be part of the post-match melees.