Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has cast doubt over his future after breaking down in tears following his side’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Speaking after Sunday’s loss at the New York New Jersey Stadium, the 48-year-old said he plans to discuss his future with the Argentine Football Association president before deciding whether to continue in the role.
Scaloni’s current contract runs until December.
Asked whether he would remain Argentina coach, Scaloni said he needed time to reflect after leading the team through one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history.
“I will talk to the president. 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.
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“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,” he said.
Scaloni became emotional during the news conference and struggled to continue speaking as he reflected on his time in charge.
“Bear with me, I don’t know if I can continue,” he said through tears.
“This place is wonderful, it is a dream place. We would never have imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place.
“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.”
Unable to continue, Scaloni stood up, apologised to reporters and left the news conference.
He added, “It’s really painful, I am very sorry.”
Scaloni was attempting to become only the second coach in men’s World Cup history to successfully defend the title after guiding Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions with Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner, securing a 1-0 victory and claiming their second FIFA World Cup title.
