Lionel Scaloni guided Argentina to successive World Cup finals
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni left his post-match news conference in tears when talking about his future after Sunday's World Cup final defeat by Spain.
Scaloni, 48, was bidding to become only the second manager in history to retain the trophy after overseeing Argentina's 2022 triumph in Qatar.
But European champions Spain proved too strong, as Ferran Torres' extra-time strike gave Luis de la Fuente's side a 1-0 victory to add to their European crown.
Scaloni's contract expires in December and he was overcome with emotion when asked about his future.
"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.
"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."
This video can not be played
Dominant Spain beat Argentina to win World Cup after extra time
Scaloni talked through his tears, adding "bear with me, I don't know if I can continue".
"This place is wonderful, it is a dream place," he said. "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."
He eventually stood up and apologised before leaving the room.
"It's really painful, I am very sorry."
When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport
Who made the difference for Spain? World Cup final player ratings
Mbappe first to win Golden Boot twice as Rodri named best player
Listen to Football Daily as Spain win the World Cup
Victory for football? Spain beat Argentina to win World Cup
Scaloni leaves news conference in tears talking about his future
Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS perform at colourful World Cup half-time show
Tobey Maguire stars as Spider-Man in the 2002 classic
GK Barry goes inside one of the UK’s most notorious gossip forums
How young men's lives are influenced by the manosphere
Out and proud comedy about a group of fierce friends
Sixteen titles in five years – why Spain are a dominant force
Trump, Bieber and Shakira – a World Cup final like never before
Lamine Yamal 'completes football' at 19 as Argentina betray Messi
Victory for football? Spain beat Argentina to win World Cup
How the World Cup has affected your Premier League team
Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS perform at colourful World Cup half-time show
How did England players rate during the World Cup?
How Fox kept cool at baked Birkdale to win The Open
Russell 'numb to disappointment' after bitter blow to title hopes
The man who built an international cricket ground in his garden
The ultimate all-round sportsman – Sobers could do it all
Rooney, Hart and Richards row down Hudson River
Messi and Brady in disbelief over 'prophetic' Lamine Yamal photo
Tuchel did not deliver, but his time with England is not up – Shearer
Keep calm and carry on – Spain trust team identity to deliver World Cup
Pele at the Azteca? England in '66? Ranking the best World Cup finals
How rugby union is 'booming' in football-mad Argentina
Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
About the Author
