A week after Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, coach Lionel Scaloni chose social media to express his feelings for the first time. The message, published on Instagram, quickly went viral and accumulated hundreds of thousands of reactions
An apology and gratitude to his "warriors"
In his publication, Scaloni expressed regret for not being able to deliver another World Cup title to Argentine fans. "I'm sorry for not having been able to bring you another Cup," he wrote in one of the most impactful phrases of the text
The coach described the week following the final as an emotional period where opposing feelings intertwined: sadness with joy, tears with smiles, anguish with calm. He also referred to the players as his "warriors," a term he mentioned using when talking about them with his wife
A firm response to criticism
The most striking part of the letter was the reference to the critical voices that accompanied the Argentine campaign throughout the tournament. Scaloni chose capital letters to emphasize the phrase about enduring "cold water buckets from people who don't know us," in what was interpreted as a direct response to detractors, especially from rival countries
For Scaloni, the set of values demonstrated by the team - effort, will, resistance - constitutes "the true trophy" of this World Cup campaign
Recognition to the entire structure
The coach extended his thanks to the coaching staff, players, and the entire Argentine Football Association (AFA) personnel, with special mention to those who "silently work to keep us comfortable." He closed the publication with a phrase that quickly went viral: "Whoever has an Argentine friend has a treasure."
Silence about his future
The message came hours after Scaloni left Pujato, his hometown in Santa Fe province, where a crowd gathered at the gates of his family home to show their affection following the runner-up finish. However, the coach made no mention of his future as national team manager
It should be remembered that Scaloni has cast doubt on his continuity beyond December, when his contract expires. Despite this, sources from the AFA indicate they will seek to offer him a new agreement until 2030, as was verbally agreed in recent weeks. The question remains whether the wave of support received in Pujato might have softened his position