Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has criticised World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic, claiming the official made a costly error that contributed to Enzo Fernandez's sending off in the 93rd minute of the final against Spain. The Chelsea midfielder had scored a sensational equaliser earlier in the tournament to rescue Argentina against England, but turned villain on Sunday after a needless lunge on the halfway line that sent Pau Cubarsi into orbit.
Scaloni questions first yellow card for dissent
While there could be no arguments about the second yellow card, Scaloni felt the match official was overzealous 10 minutes earlier when he cautioned Fernandez for dissent. 'Enzo's sending-off, I think the referee could have avoided giving him that first yellow card, but well, it is what it is,' said an emotional Scaloni in his post-match press conference. 'It's a final, there are things that could have been avoided, but it's over now.'
Fernandez's rush of blood left Argentina at a numerical disadvantage that was almost immediately exploited in extra-time when Ferran Torres stroked home the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Despite the heartbreaking nature of the defeat, Scaloni, who will now assess his future before deciding whether to stand down, couldn't hide his pride in a group of players who had defied the odds to reach the final.
Scaloni proud of Argentina's journey
'It was a dream to play for everyone and we tried up until the very last minute,' Scaloni said. 'The staff, the players and me. I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think [things] through. This place is wonderful. It is a dream place. I never in my life would've thought, please bear with me, would've imagined — including my staff — that we would be at this place.'
'So to continue you need a great deal of things: resetting your mind and rebooting [because] creating a group like this again that is very difficult to create it again. And this is really painful. I'm very sorry.'
Messi's future uncertain
Lionel Messi, too, is yet to make a decision on his international future amid speculation he will call time on his glittering career. 'He's 39 years old, it's unbelievable,' Scaloni said. 'There's nothing new to discover from my side. It was crystal clear he was going to play until he decided not to. All of our people support him and I hope everyone is proud of what he's achieved because he's the best player to ever stand on a pitch.'
