"I don't know if I can continue" Lionel Scaloni breaks down in tears after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina looks dejected with Silver medal after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump was seen speaking with Spain boss Luis de la Fuente after the World Cup final (Image credit: Getty Images)

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears after his country's World Cup final defeat to Spain.

While facing questions from the press, the man who guided his nation to World Cup victory in 2022 was unable to continue, overcome by the disappointment of failing to defend the title.

He also admitted questions would have to be asked over his future as national team coach.

Scaloni's strange comments about his side's manner of defeat

Argentina's midfielder #05 Leandro Paredes (top) clashed with Spain's midfielder #09 Gavi during the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

Leandro Paredes clashed with Gavi after the full time whistle (Image credit: Getty Images)

As he sat and faced questions after the game, the manager was overcome with emotion and said: "Bear with me, I don't know if I can continue."

He then stood up and added: "It's really painful, I am very sorry" before leaving the room.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni at the 2022 World Cup

Lionel Scaloni felt his side lost graciously in the World Cup final against Spain (Image credit: Alamy)

Perhaps Scaloni's emotion had clouded his judgement because his opinion on how his side performed was very different to how other people felt Argentina had played in the match, and reacted after it.

Leandro Paredes was sent off after the full-time whistle, after he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and threw Gavi to the floor, as he responded angrily to the loss. Enzo Fernandez also saw red for a ridiculous challenge.

"I’ll cherish the memory of my players, what they achieved and the effort it took to reach this stage,” Scaloni said.

"We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. If the players leave everything on the pitch, as they did today, it sets a great example for our people and our country."

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni

Lionel Scaloni said his position as Argentina manager would have to be questioned

Scaloni's current contract as Argentina boss runs until December and he said that might be a good time for him to leave his role.

He continued: "I will talk to the president. I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract. I don't know if something big needs to 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. It was a dream for everyone. We have tried up until the very last minute to give our best, the staff and players. I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through."

Ryan Gray
Freelance Writer

Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names. 

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