World Cup final: Scaloni says Spain were better team

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain deserved to win after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.

Ferran Torres, who came on as a substitute, scored in the second half of extra time to hand Spain victory over a 10-man Argentina at the MetLife Stadium.

The result ended Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup title. Led by captain Lionel Messi, the South American champions had been aiming to become the first nation since 1962 to win consecutive World Cup trophies.

“They were the better side — that’s the truth — but I’ll cherish the memory of them (his side), of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far,” Scaloni said.

“We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort.”

Scaloni said his team must accept defeat with the same grace they showed when celebrating recent successes.

“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose,” he said.

“We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”

He thanked the fans for their incredible support throughout the 2026 tournament.

“To the people, my players, and the country, I want to say that we gave it our all,” he said.

“We arrived here facing a realistic situation, but if the players leave everything on the pitch, as they did today, it sets a great example for our people and our country.

“We have to pick ourselves up again, there is no other way,” he added.

Scaloni, 48, said the side’s achievement in reaching a second successive final should be appreciated.

“I certainly value the runners-up spot because it takes so much to get here, and I think it deserves huge recognition,” he said.

“Naturally, we would have liked to win, but ultimately, I feel gratitude. That is the only word I have, along with sadness, of course.

“But when you give everything like that, regardless of whether you play well or poorly, it’s very hard to find fault.”