SerpApi.Org
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni dismissed claims of unfair officiating at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Argentina lost the final 1-0 to Spain at the MetLife stadium in a largely one-sided contest. The 2022 champions failed to register a shot on target in regulation time and got just two shots away in the entire game, as compared to Spain's 20.
Ferran Torres' goal in the 105th minute sealed the deal for La Roja. Argentina players were left fuming with referee Slavko Vincic after he sent off Enzo Fernandez late in the second half for his second bookable offence.
Fernandez tackled Pau Cubarsi while trying to get to the ball and was given his marching orders. However, Scaloni said that the referees weren't the reason why his side lost the final and it was actually Spain being the better team than them.
"Was the officiating unfair?" No, we lost because Spain were better than us," Scaloni told reporters upon his return to Argentina.
Scaloni hinted that his side came fatigued for the clash after their semi-final extra time win over England.
"We've got to admit it, they played better. [Admitting that] will make us better in the long run."
"We probably arrived at the final running on empty, that's the reality," said Scaloni.
During the match, they lost the services of defender Lisandro Martinez to an injury in the first half and then had to withdraw Cristian Romero also.
SCALONI'S FUTURE IN THE AIR
Scaloni was emotional after the final, breaking down in tears during the press conference. Following this, he admitted that he may step aside from the role of Argentina coach at the end of this year.
"No, no. I'll stay until December, and after that I'll most likely step aside. I'll continue until then, and afterward I'll speak with the federation president. The idea is to take a break and slow down a bit. That's the plan."
Scalnoi's current contract is set to come to an end in December.
