World Cup 2026: Lionel Scaloni leaves news conference in tears talking about his future
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears at the post-match press conference as he talked about his future following Sunday’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Scaloni, 48, was vying to become the second manager in history to retain the trophy after overseeing Argentina’s victory in Qatar in 2022.
But European champions Spain proved too strong as Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike saw Luis de la Fuente’s side win the European title.
Scaloni’s contract expires in December and he became emotional when asked about his future.
“I will talk to the president,” he said. “I have an idea of what I want to do. I’m going to finish my contract and I feel there’s a need for it. I don’t know if something this big can be done. We need to talk it through.”
“I am grateful to the president for giving me this chance to be where I am now. It was a dream place for everyone. We tried to do the best we could with our squad and players until the last minute. I believe it is only fair that I take this time to think about it.”
Scaloni spoke through tears and said, “Just bear with me, I don’t know if I can go on.”
“This is a wonderful, dreamy place,” he said. “We never imagined we would be in this place, including my employees.
“You need a lot of things to keep going, especially resetting your mind, starting over, creating a group like that again. It’s very difficult to recreate that.”
He finally stood up and apologized before leaving the room.
“It’s really painful, I’m so sorry.”
