'It hurts me in the Soul': Emotional Lionel Scaloni breaks down after Argentina's World Cup Final defeat

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was overcome with emotion after his team's heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Speaking after the match, Scaloni struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on the missed opportunity, admitting that the loss "hurts me in the soul." Spain secured the title with a late extra-time goal, ending Argentina's dream of defending its World Cup crown.

Despite the disappointment, Scaloni praised his players for their determination and commitment throughout the tournament. He said the squad gave everything on the field and expressed immense pride in their effort despite falling short at the final hurdle.

The Argentine coach also paid tribute to Lionel Messi, calling him the greatest footballer of all time after the veteran captain's remarkable World Cup campaign.

Scaloni also hinted that he may take time to reflect on his future as Argentina's head coach, saying he would discuss the next steps with the Argentine Football Association before making any decision. His emotional post-match reaction captured the pain felt by the team and millions of Argentine fans after a memorable tournament ended in heartbreak.