Scaloni considering his Argentina future after World Cup final defeat
· Yahoo Sports
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni delivered an emotional message after their World Cup final defeat to Spain on Sunday, leaving the post-match press conference in tears as he reflected on his future.
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Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike sealed Spain’s second star, with Argentina failing to register a single attempt on goal until the 117th minute.
“I don’t know what to think, because I don’t know if it’s possible to achieve something greater than this,” Scaloni said after the match.
“Maybe, well, it’s something that needs to be discussed. I’m grateful to the president for giving me the opportunity to be where I am, to be in the position I’m in. It is the dream job for everyone.
“We tried until the very last moment to give everything as a coaching staff, as players, and I think it’s fair that I take some time and think about it.”
Four years on from leading La Albiceleste to glory in Qatar, Scaloni guided Argentina to another final, with Lionel Messi featuring in what could be his final appearance at the tournament.
They navigated their way past Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland before completing a late comeback against England to secure back-to-back World Cup final appearances.
The Argentina boss had some heartfelt words for Messi, who was in tears on the pitch at the final whistle.
“[Lionel Messi] is 39 years old, guys. It’s incredible. For my part, I already knew, I was absolutely certain, that he would keep playing for as long as he wants.
“His teammates and all his people were always going to give everything for him. I hope he is proud of his teammates, and I think he is. I hope the people are proud of their team, proud of him, of what he has done.
“He is the best footballer ever to step onto a football field. In my view, nothing is going to change that. Despite how incredible what he did at this World Cup was, it would not have changed anything about what he had already accomplished before,” he said.
Reflecting some more on his next steps after the tournament, Scaloni added: “This place is wonderful. Wonderful. It’s a dream position.
“Never in my life did I think that, hopefully, I’ll stop [crying], because I can’t talk like this. Never in my life did any of us on the coaching staff imagine we would be here. So, to continue, a lot of things are needed.
“Above all, you have to reset, rebuild a group like this one, and a group like this is very difficult to recreate, and it hurts me. It hurts me deeply. I’m sorry.”