Lionel Scaloni returned to social media this Monday to address the Argentine fans for the first time since the defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup, one week ago.
The coach posted a lengthy and heartfelt message on his Instagram account in which he apologized to the fans of the South American country, stood up for his players, and criticized those who questioned the team during the tournament.
The final, held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, ended in victory for Spain after a goal by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute of extra time.
Spain thus claimed its second World title and Argentina, the reigning world champion, came within a step of glory.
A week of mixed emotions
Scaloni acknowledged that he needed time to find the right words.
"After an intense week where sadness intertwined with joy, tears mingled with smiles, anguish met tranquility, and nerves clashed with calm, I can now sit down to write a few words. Although I know I’m not very fond of social media, it may be the best way to convey this," wrote the team's head coach.
One of the most emotional moments in the text was when the coach took responsibility for the outcome.
“I can only say 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 ugly things in life,” wrote Scaloni, aware of the significance that a new title would have held for the Argentinians.
However, the core of the message was a passionate defense of the team.
The coach revealed that in private, when he spoke about his players to his wife, he referred to them as "my warriors," and he listed the values that, in his opinion, transcend any score.
The passage that generated the most impact was a phrase intentionally written in uppercase letters.
«The effort, the desire, the will, the "I can," the determination to keep going (even when everything seems uphill) the commitment to give it your all (even when you feel you have nothing left) the ability to endure cold water splashes (FROM PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW US) the wisdom to stand tall, the will to keep going when your legs no longer obey your mind… That is the true trophy)».
A reference that several media outlets have interpreted as a direct response to the criticisms received during the tournament, especially after the performance in the final, where Argentina failed to make a shot on goal in the 120 minutes.
The message arrived hours after the coach left Pujato, his hometown in Santa Fe, where he had spent several days at his parents' house surrounded by hundreds of fans asking for autographs and leaving gifts.
A hand-written sign posted on the family's door announced his departure: "Leo left last night!! Thank you for all the love."
Scaloni began his return to Mallorca, where he resides with his wife Elisa Montero and their children Ian and Noah.
Acknowledgments and uncertain future
Scaloni dedicated the final part of the message to thanking everyone who supported the national team during the tournament.
"Eternally grateful to my coaching staff, players, the AFA personnel, those who work silently to ensure our comfort, and to each of you for the affection you've shown," he wrote.
The post did not include any explicit reference to his continued leadership of the team.
Neither did he mention any details about the match that Argentina lost to Spain, nor was there any reference or congratulations to the opponent.
In earlier statements reported by La Nación, Scaloni indicated that he intends to fulfill his contract—valid until December 2026—and that he will evaluate his situation afterwards: "The most important thing is Argentina and the national team, not who takes charge, whether it's me or not."
The president of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia, had already publicly expressed his intention to extend it until 2030.
The message ended with a postscript that became the most shared phrase of the publication: “Whoever has an Argentine friend has a treasure.”
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