EAST RUTHERFORD, United States: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Spain were the superior team after his side’s 1-0 extra-time loss in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the second period of extra-time, as Spain overcame a resilient but depleted Argentina to claim victory at the MetLife Stadium.
The South American champions, led by star player Lionel Messi, had aimed to become the first team since 1962 to reclaim the World Cup title.
“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.
“We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort.”
Scaloni emphasized the importance of accepting defeat with the same dignity shown during their triumphs.
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose,” he added.
“We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
He expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
“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.
“We have to pick ourselves up again, there is no other way,” he concluded.
Scaloni, 48, highlighted the significance of reaching a second consecutive final.
“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.”
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