Lionel Scaloni believes that Argentina gave “a great example to our people and our country”, despite their disappointing performance in the World Cup final.
Ferran Torres scored the vital goal as Spain beat Argentina 1-0 at the New York and New Jersey Stadium.
In a difficult match, Spain was the dominant team, with 20 shots, 12 on target, and creating chances worth 1.94 expected goals, in addition to having two goals disallowed, either side of Torres’ 106th-minute winner in extra time.
Argentina, on the other hand, only managed two attempts, the first of them by Lionel Messi in the 117th minute. They became the first team that failed to shoot in regulation time in a World Cup final.
Scaloni’s team saw Enzo Fernández sent off late in regulation time and committed 25 fouls in total, the most in a World Cup match since Argentina itself (26) against France in the 2022 final.
Although Argentina’s campaign ultimately ended on a disappointing note, Scaloni had nothing but pride in his team.
In quotes published by AFP, Scaloni stated: “[Spain] We were the best team, that’s the truth, but I will treasure the memory of [my side]of what they achieved and the value of getting here.
“We have to give immense value to this because it requires a lot of effort.
“We came here facing a realistic situation, but if the players leave everything on the field like they did, it is a great example for our people and our country.
“We have to get up again, there is no other way.
“I certainly value second place because it takes a lot to get here and I think it deserves great recognition.
“Naturally we would have liked to win, but in the end I feel gratitude. It’s the only word I have, besides sadness, of course.
“But when you give it your all like that, whether you play well or badly, it’s very difficult to find fault.”
Argentina committed 25 fouls against Spain, the most in a World Cup match since…
Argentina (26) against France in the 2022 World Cup final. pic.twitter.com/9zqUss33sq
– Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 19, 2026
Tempers boiled over at the end of the match, with Leandro Paredes involved in unpleasant scenes after the final whistle.
Scaloni, however, stated that his team knows how to accept defeat.
“We are kind in victory and we must be kind in defeat. We are showing that we know how to lose,” he said.
“We lost the game and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
Argentina has finished as runners-up in the world for the fourth time (also in 1930, 1990 and 2014), the most of any team, along with Germany.
