Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni cast fresh doubt over his future after the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain, admitting he is unsure whether he will continue in the role once his current contract comes to an end.

Also Read | Argentina face backlash after FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to deny the defending champions a successful title defence. Following the match, an emotional Scaloni struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on his future and the journey he has shared with the national team.

Scaloni says he needs time to decide future

Scaloni, whose contract runs until December, revealed that he plans to discuss his future with the Argentine Football Association president before making any decision.

“I will talk to the president,” he said. “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 Argentina coach also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the national team and explained that he needs time to reflect after an emotional campaign.

Also Read | Spain’s Ferran Torres stomps Argentina’s 4th World Cup dream in extra time, 1-0

“I am thankful to the president for giving me the chance to be in the position I am in at the moment. It was a dream place for everyone. We have tried until the very last minute to give our utmost, the staff and players. I believe it’s only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through,” Scaloni added.

Emotional press conference after World Cup final

The post-match press conference turned emotional as Scaloni struggled to continue speaking, admitting he was uncertain about what comes next in his coaching career.

“Bear with me, I don’t know if I can continue. This place is wonderful, it is a dream place,” he said. The 48-year-old explained that rebuilding a successful squad after years of achievement would be a significant challenge.

“We would never have imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place. 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 do,” Scaloni pointed.

Scaloni praises Lionel Messi

Scaloni also spoke about captain Lionel Messi, confirming that he had not discussed the forward’s international future following the defeat. Messi, now 39, finished the FIFA World Cup 2026 with eight goals but found it difficult to influence the final as Spain controlled possession and limited his opportunities.

“He’s 39 years old now,” Scaloni said. “It was crystal clear for me that he was going to play up until he decided not to.” The Argentina coach reserved special praise for his captain and described Messi as the greatest player the sport has ever seen.

Lionel Messi
ZOOM IMAGE
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi in tears after their loss againstn Spain at the FIFA World Cup final | X [ANI]

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

Scaloni’s comments have now fuelled speculation over his future as Argentina begin reflecting on their World Cup campaign, with a final decision expected after discussions with the federation in the coming months.

FAQs

What did Lionel Scaloni say about his future after the World Cup final?

Scaloni said he will speak with the Argentine FA president and take time to decide whether to continue as Argentina’s head coach.

What did Scaloni say about Lionel Messi?

Scaloni praised Messi as “the best football player ever” and said the captain will continue playing until he decides to retire from international football.