Scaloni in tears after World Cup final loss as Argentina coach hints at December exit

Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and suggested he could walk away from the job at the end of the year, saying the loss had left a “deep wound” inside him.

The 2022 World Cup-winning coach, who guided Argentina to glory against France on penalties four years earlier, admitted his future with the Albiceleste is uncertain despite being under contract until December.

‘My soul hurts a lot’

Speaking in an emotional post-match news conference, Scaloni struggled to contain his feelings as he reflected on the defeat and the strain of the role.

“In truth my soul hurts a lot, I feel a huge pain inside,” he said. “Being in this place requires resetting things from scratch and starting to build a strong group like this one again, and that is going to be extremely difficult.”

The 46-year-old, who took charge of Argentina in 2018 and ended the country’s 36-year wait for a world title in Qatar, said the demands of remaining at the top of the international game are immense.

“This is a wonderful and incredible place,” he said of managing the national team. “It has been my pleasure and my pride to be here, and it goes beyond my best dreams. I could never have imagined it.”

Praise for 39-year-old Messi

Scaloni reserved special praise for captain Lionel Messi, who played the final at the age of 39 and once again carried the hopes of a nation on his shoulders.

“39 years old, guys! It’s unbelievable,” Scaloni said. “I knew he would keep playing as long as he wanted to, and his team-mates and the fans will give everything for him.”

“I hope Messi is proud of his team-mates, and I think he already is,” he added. “I also hope the fans are proud of this team and of everything they have done. For me, Messi is the best player ever to step on a football pitch, and what he produced in this edition was amazing, but he did not need this tournament to confirm his status.”

Messi, already a World Cup winner in 2022 and widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, had been chasing a second consecutive world title in what could be his final appearance on this stage.

Future in doubt after December

Scaloni fuelled speculation about his position by making clear that he is seriously considering stepping aside once his current deal expires.

“I have a contract until December, and after that I will stop to give the chance to someone else,” he said.

“The idea is to stop and relax, I want to step away a little bit,” he continued. “I hope others get this opportunity; any Argentine would love to be here.”

He admitted his comments could be interpreted as a farewell, but stressed that he has not taken a definitive decision.

“It may sound like a goodbye, but at the same time there is a desire to continue,” Scaloni said. “But as I said, until December I am staying, and after that we will see what happens.”

Legacy of a World Cup winner

Under Scaloni, Argentina ended a long trophy drought, winning Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022 before reaching back-to-back finals on the global stage.

The defeat by Spain, secured by a single goal, denied Argentina a historic successive World Cup triumph but further cemented Scaloni’s reputation as one of the most successful coaches in the nation’s history.

Whether he chooses to remain beyond December or not, his tenure has already left an indelible mark on Argentine football – and on the career of Lionel Messi, whom he helped guide to the ultimate prize in Qatar.