Lionel Scaloni returned to social media this Monday to address Argentine fans for the first time since the defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup, one week ago.
The coach published a lengthy and heartfelt message on his Instagram account in which he apologized to the fans of the South American country, defended 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, concluded with a victory for Spain after a goal by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute of extra time.
Spain thus secured its second world title and Argentina, the current world champion, came just a step away from glory.
A week of mixed emotions
Scaloni acknowledged that he needed time to find the words.
"After an intense week where sadness has intertwined with joy, tears with smiles, anguish with tranquility, and nerves with calm, I can now sit down to write a few words. Although you 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 of 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 ugliness of 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 talking to his wife about his players, 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 deliberately written in uppercase letters.
«The effort, the desire, the will, the "I can," the refusal to give up (even when everything gets tough), giving your all (even when you feel you have nothing left), enduring cold showers (FROM PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW US), knowing how to be, wanting to keep standing when your legs no longer listen to your brain... That is the true trophy)».
A reference that several media outlets have interpreted as a direct response to the criticism received during the tournament, particularly after the performance in the final, where Argentina failed to take 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 him gifts.
A handwritten sign posted on the door of the family home announced his departure: "Leo left last night!! Thank you for all the love."
Scaloni set out on 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 team throughout the tournament.
"Eternally grateful to my coaching staff, players, the AFA personnel, those who work quietly to ensure our comfort, and to each of you for the affection received," he wrote.
The post did not include any explicit reference to his continued leadership of the team.
There was also no mention of details regarding the match that Argentina lost to Spain, nor was there any reference or congratulation for the opponent.
In previous statements reported by La Nación, Scaloni indicated that he plans to honor his contract, which is valid until December 2026, and will then assess his situation: "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: "He who has an Argentine friend has a treasure."
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