Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni hastily left his press conference in tears after their World Cup final defeat to Spain.
The 48-year-old was aiming to become only the second manager to retain the trophy after spearheading Argentina’s 2022 triumph in Qatar.
But Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike saw Spain crowned World Champions for a second time, with Luis de la Fuente’s side winning the European Championship and World Cup back-to-back.
Reflecting on the tournament, Scaloni said: ‘To be where I am today is a dream come true.
‘We tried right up to the very end to give it our all – both the coaching staff and the players. I think it’s only right to take this time to think about it all.
‘It’s a beautiful position to be in. Somewhere where I dreamed of being. So to carry on, lots of things are necessary.’
He fought back tears but eventually folded.
‘Above all, we need time to reset and form another group like this one. It’ll be hard to recreate this one. It hurts my soul, I’m sorry,’ Scaloni said as he left the press conference crying.
Lionel Scaloni’s future as Argentina boss is doubtful after failing to beat Spain
Scaloni has just five months left on his Argentina deal. Considering his future, he spoke as though the end is near, but committed to seeing his contract out.
‘I will talk to the president,’ he said. ‘I have an idea of what I would like to do.
‘I will see out my contract and I feel the need, I don’t know if something as big can be done. We need to speak this through.
‘I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment.
‘It was a dream place for everyone. We have tried up until the very last minute to give our utmost, the staff and players.
‘I believe it’s only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through.’
Despite the tears, there is little sympathy for Argentina. Their sulking stars refused to acknowledge Spain’s trophy lift, with players spotted turning their backs to the newly-crowned champions.
The defeated finalists collected their silver medals from FIFA supremo Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump on the stage at the MetLife Stadium but decided not to watch as Spain lifted the trophy – which is customary in finals of major tournaments.
Instead, the Argentina players, coaching team and staff walked over to the end where the majority of their fans were located and spent time gazing into the crowd with glossy eyes.
The scenes came after the final descended into chaos following Torres’s extra-time winner in New Jersey.
Argentina players decided to turn their backs to Spain’s World Cup trophy lift on Sunday
There were several scuffles after the final whistle in New York
After the final whistle, fights broke out between the two teams. Some of Argentina’s players lost their heads as Spain’s substitutes and staff ran on to the pitch to celebrate their victory.
Torres scored a 106th-minute winner after Enzo Fernandez had been sent off in the 93rd minute following a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi – which summed up the South Americans’ deplorable approach to the game.
At full time, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was sent off for punching Eric Garcia and pushing Gavi to the ground.
Argentina’s Nahuel Molina also punched Rodri in the torso as he was running by, while Thiago Almada was involved, too.
