Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears at his post-match news conference after Sunday's World Cup final, leaving the room with an apology and an uncertain future.
Scaloni, 48, had been bidding to become only the second manager to retain the trophy after guiding Argentina to glory in 2022. But Spain, the European champions, proved too strong. Ferran Torres' extra-time strike gave Luis de la Fuente's side a 1-0 victory in New Jersey, adding a World Cup crown to their European title.
“Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni breaks down in tears after World Cup final defeat, unsure of his future.”
Argentina failed to muster a single shot on goal until the 117th minute. Their task became harder when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card after a challenge on Pau Cubarsi near halfway. Spain thought they had scored earlier in extra time through Nico Williams, but the goal was ruled out.
Scaloni, whose contract expires in December, 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."
His voice breaking, he added: "Bear with me, I don't know if I can continue. This place is wonderful, it is a dream 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, apologised and left the room, saying: "It's really painful, I am very sorry."
Lionel Messi, the Argentina captain, was also overcome with emotion after the defeat, having hinted before the match that this might be his last World Cup. The 39-year-old leaves the tournament with lingering questions over his international future.