Scaloni says Spain deserved to win the World Cup

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has said Spain deserved to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 after his team lost 1-0 in extra time on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Ferran Torres, who came off the bench, became Spain’s hero by scoring in the second half of extra time. His goal broke the hearts of a 10-man Argentina team and gave La Roja their second World Cup title.

This loss ended Argentina’s chance to be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend the World Cup successfully. Captain Lionel Messi did not play well in the final.

After the final whistle, Scaloni said Spain was the better team but he is very proud of his players for their amazing World Cup run.

“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.

The 48-year-old coach also highlighted the need to accept defeat with the same grace his team showed when they won.

“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose,” he said.

“We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”

Scaloni thanked Argentina’s supporters for their unwavering support throughout the tournament in North America.

“To the people, my players, and the country, I want to say that we gave it our all,” he said.

“We arrived here facing a realistic situation, but if the players leave everything on the pitch, as they did today, it sets a great example for our people and our country.”

Despite the sadness of losing the final, the former defender encouraged his players and the nation to move forward.

“We have to pick ourselves up again. There is no other way,” he added.

Scaloni also defended Argentina’s achievement of reaching the World Cup final for the second time in a row. He believes finishing as runners-up should not take away from what the team accomplished.

“I certainly value the runners-up spot because it takes so much to get here, and I think it deserves huge recognition,” he said.

“Naturally, we would have liked to win, but ultimately, I feel gratitude. That is the only word I have, along with sadness, of course.

“But when you give everything like that, regardless of whether you play well or poorly, it’s very hard to find fault.”

Even though Argentina's time as world champions has ended, Scaloni's team showed their strength by reaching two World Cup finals in a row.

While Sunday’s loss stopped them from making football history, the coach believes their commitment, character, and achievements during the tournament are still something to be proud of.