Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that Spain were the better team after his side`s 1-0 extra-time defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, saying his players still deserved recognition for reaching a second consecutive final.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time at MetLife Stadium as Spain ended Argentina`s title defence and lifted their second World Cup trophy.
Speaking after the match, Scaloni admitted Spain had earned the victory but praised his players for their commitment throughout the tournament.
"They were the better team, that`s the reality," Scaloni said. "But I`ll always treasure what this group achieved and the effort they made to reach another World Cup final."
The Argentina coach urged his players to accept defeat with dignity, just as they had celebrated success in recent years.
"We have always tried to be respectful in victory, and now we have to show the same attitude in defeat," he said. "We lost the final, we accept it, but that doesn`t erase everything we achieved to get here."
Scaloni also thanked Argentina`s supporters for standing behind the team throughout the tournament.
"To our fans and to the country, I can only say that we gave everything we had," he said. "The players left everything on the pitch, and that is something our people can be proud of."
Despite the disappointment of missing out on back-to-back World Cup titles, the 48-year-old said finishing runners-up should not be overlooked.
"Reaching a World Cup final is never easy, so I value this achievement," he said. "Of course there is sadness because we wanted to win, but above all I feel grateful for this team and everything it has done."
Scaloni added that Argentina must now move forward from the defeat.
"We have to get back up. There is no other option," he said.
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