Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni published a heartfelt message on his social media accounts Sunday night, one week after the defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. After spending a few days of rest in Pujato, his hometown, the coach offered his apologies to the fans for not having been able to claim a second consecutive title and shared a deep reflection on the values he tried to instill in the team throughout his entire tenure.
"All I can say is I'm sorry for not being able to bring you another cup and give you a new joy that, even if just for a few days, might help you forget all the ugliness in life," Scaloni wrote in an Instagram post that quickly filled with thousands of messages of support and gratitude.
The coach, who returned to his native Santa Fe province after the demanding participation in the World Cup held across Canada, Mexico and the United States, explained that he needed several days to process the emotions left by the lost final. "After an intense week in which sadness and joy have been intertwined, tears with a smile, anguish with calm, nerves with tranquility, I can sit down and write a few words," he said.
Far from dwelling solely on the sporting result, Scaloni highlighted the competitive spirit of a squad he once again described as "my warriors" — a term, he shared, that he regularly uses when talking about his players with his wife in private.
In that part of the message, the coach listed the values he considers the true legacy of the Scaloneta: effort, dedication, resilience, and the ability to rise up even in the most difficult moments.
He also made a reference to the criticism received during the tournament, mentioning the importance of withstanding "buckets of cold water (FROM PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW US)."
Before closing, Scaloni thanked his coaching staff, the players, AFA personnel, and the fans for the support received throughout the World Cup. The post concluded with a phrase dedicated to Argentines: "Whoever has an Argentine friend has a treasure."
The full message from Lionel Scaloni:
"After an intense week in which sadness and joy have been intertwined, tears with a smile, anguish with calm, nerves with tranquility, I can sit down and write a few words — and although you know I'm not very fond of social media, it may be the best way to reach you.
All I can say is I'm sorry for not being able to bring you another cup and give you a new joy that, even if just for a few days, might help you forget all the ugliness in life.
But I want you to hold on to what this group of players — my warriors, as I would describe them when talking about them to my wife — has tried to show you.
The effort, the desire, the will, the belief that I can, the refusal to give up (even when everything becomes an uphill battle), giving everything (even when you have nothing left), withstanding buckets of cold water (FROM PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW US), knowing how to carry yourself, wanting to stay on your feet when your legs no longer obey your brain... That is the real trophy.
Eternally grateful to my coaching staff, the players, the AFA staff, those who work silently to keep us comfortable, and to each and every one of you for the affection received.
Lionel Scaloni.
P.S.: 'Whoever has an Argentine friend has a treasure.'"
