Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears during a post-match press conference after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, hinting he may leave his role as head coach when his contract expires in December. The 48-year-old, who has led Argentina to two Copa Americas and one World Cup since 2018, said he needed time to think before deciding his future.
“I haven’t spoken with Leo [Messi]. As for me, I’m going to talk to the president. I have an idea of what I want to do,” Scaloni said. “I’ll fulfil the contract and then we’ll see. The truth is, I feel the need to think, because I don’t know if I’ll be able to do something as big as this.”
“Scaloni breaks down in tears, hints at quitting Argentina after World Cup final defeat to Spain.”
His voice faltered as he continued: “Being in the place I am, a dream come true for everyone. We tried until the very last moment to give our all as a coaching staff and as players. It’s only right that I can take this time to think about it. This place is wonderful, a dream come true that I never imagined in my life.”
The defeat in New Jersey was a crushing blow for Argentina, who were outplayed by Spain. La Roja had 20 shots to Argentina’s two, and only a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept the score level until extra time. The breakthrough came in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres, a substitute, scored the winner. Moments earlier, Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez had been sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
Scaloni then abruptly left the press conference, but not before adding: “In my life I never thought, we all thought on the coaching staff, that we’d be in this position. So, to continue, a lot of things are needed, especially to reset, to rebuild a group like this, which is unlikely to be formed again, and it pains me deeply.”
Scaloni’s contract with the Argentine Football Association runs until December. While he will speak to president Claudio Tapia about fresh terms, he admitted there is a chance he could step down. “I’m grateful to the president for giving me an opportunity like this, for being in this position,” he said, before breaking down.
The emotional press conference came after Argentina failed to retain the World Cup they won in Qatar in 2022. Scaloni’s future now hangs in the balance, with Messi’s own international career also uncertain. For now, Scaloni says he needs time to think – but the tears suggested a decision may already be forming.