Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni cried and apologised before walking out of his press conference after the South Americans lost the World Cup final to Spain. Looking to defend their crown in New Jersey, Lionel Messi and co failed to register a single shot on target across an underwhelming 120 minutes at the MetLife Stadium.
Spain's Dominance and Decisive Goal
Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal in the 106th minute in a match that Euro 2024 winners Spain controlled throughout. They looked like the only team that would win it before penalties. There was chaos after the final whistle when Leandro Paredes was shown a red card for his involvement in ugly scenes. Enzo Fernandez was also shown a second yellow card before extra time due to a silly foul.
Scaloni's Emotional Press Conference
Argentina head coach Scaloni guided his country to glory in Qatar four years ago, but there was to be no repeat on this occasion and he became visibly emotional during his post-match press conference. "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."
He added: "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 place for everyone. We have tried up 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."
Uncertain Future for Scaloni
"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 create again," Scaloni said. "It hurts my soul. I'm sorry. I have to be honest and say that I have to take time and think about the future, because I'm not sure this kind of group can be assembled again." Before abruptly walking out of his press conference, a visibly emotional Scaloni added: "It's really painful, I am very sorry."
Contrasting Emotions for Spain
It was a contrasting narrative for his opposite number, Luis de la Fuente, who has now guided Spain to World Cup and European Championship glory within a two-year span. He said: "It was written, and we deserve it. This team and this wonderful fanbase deserve everything. We had a date with destiny and we wanted to make it count. I always just wanted joy in moments. When you look back at this process, I would not have achieved anything without these players. The journey with this raw material, this talent. Spanish footballers, the way they compete. These players are amazing."
