EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, July 19 (Reuters) - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni conceded that Spain were the better team in the World Cup final on Sunday but said he was proud of how his players left everything on the pitch despite relinquishing the title.
The Albiceleste had to fight their way through every one of the knockout rounds but finally ran out of gas in the second period of extra time on Sunday, when down to 10 men, as Spain finally broke the deadlock through Ferran Torres to win 1-0.
"I
feel sad," said Scaloni. "One could say many things about how we got here, but it’s not worth it. Endless thanks to these players who once again took us to the final.
"They (the Spaniards) were better, that’s true, but I will have tremendous memories of what my players achieved. We are great in victory and must be so in defeat as well. Tonight, we show that we know how to lose. We lost, and we accept it.
"If they give everything the way they did today, it sets a great example for the people and for our country. You have to pick yourself up again. When you leave everything like that, it’s very hard to find fault with anything.”
The Argentines had Enzo Fernandez sent off in second half stoppage time which left them with a mountain to climb.
Argentina great Lionel Messi left the pitch in tears after playing in his third World Cup final, a feat only previously achieved by Brazilian Cafu.
Scaloni said he had not spoken to Messi about his future but thought his tournament, during which he played every minute of every knockout match and scored eight goals, was "unbelievable".
"He's 39 years old now," Scaloni said. "It was crystal clear for me that he was going to play up until he decided not to.
"I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he's achieved because he's the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch. I have no doubt about this, and what he did during this World Cup was incredible. But also what he did before this."
Messi won everything at club level before leading his country to a World Cup triumph in 2022 and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Scaloni was reduced to tears as he discussed his own future.
"I will talk to the president (of the soccer federation)," said the 48-year-old. "I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through. I never thought I would get to this place and it's wonderful.
"In order to continue, you need a great deal of things, resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again -- that is very difficult.
"I am very sorry," he said as the emotions finally overwhelmed him and he left the press conference room.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Ken Ferris)
