Lionel Scaloni said his Argentina team set a ‘great example for our people and country’ in their World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Argentina fell agonisingly short of back-to-back World Cups as they were beaten in extra-time by European and now world champions Spain.
Scaloni’s side were hailed for their batting spirit on their way to another World Cup final as they overcame several edgy knockout games, including a tense semi-final against England.
But Argentina were outplayed by impressive Spain and failed to take a single shot in normal time.
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Argentina were hoping to take Spain to penalties after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute but Ferran Torres broke their hearts with an extra-time winner.
Scaloni insisted he was proud of his team after the heartbreaking defeat and said they set a ‘great example’ for those back in Argentina.
That claim will come as a surprise to many onlookers given Argentina sparked a huge brawl after the final whistle, with Nahuel Molina punching Spain captain Rodri.
Soon after fellow Argentina star Leandro Paredes was seen grabbing Spain midfielder Gavi by the neck and throwing him to the floor.
‘It’s sad, but we gave it our all,’ Scaloni told TYC Sports. ‘I have a lot to say about how we got here, but it’s not worth it right now.
‘Eternal gratitude to these guys who reached another final and competed. They [Spain] were better, but I have great memories of this group.
‘We have to value having getting here, which was incredibly difficult. We are great in victory and we must be great in defeat.
‘We accept that we lost, we gave everything, we arrived at a very crucial moment, but if they leave everything on the field like they did today, it’s a great example for our people and country. You lose and you have to get back up again.
‘It’s incredibly hard to get there, you have to acknowledge that. We would have liked to win, but I only have words of gratitude.
‘You can play well or badly, but when you give your all like that, it’s hard to find fault.’
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, meanwhile, said: ‘So much pride. Pride for this generation of footballers that have been growing with this idea, staying loyal to the idea, and doing their best.
‘They are an example of a team, a group, a family, and a collective of great players that have been exceptional.
‘I’m just so proud to have accompanied them on this journey, to have been there with them on this trajectory is an honour.
‘I can’t really tell you how I feel. All I can say was it was worth it. Of course at the moment I am very emotional, particularly having watched from behind the scenes.
‘I have spoken so much to the players, who said to me, ‘Boss, we’ve won it all’, and it’s marvellous.
‘This generation of players is an example for Spanish sport, for the Spanish youth. Together we are much stronger, and that is why we don’t forget anyone.
‘Of course we would have liked to win the game much sooner. The Martinez saves prevented us from doing so.
‘We tried and tried to get on the scoresheet but weren’t able to, but this is a World Cup final, even against ten men at the end we had to suffer.
‘But, we like to suffer, and I’ll say it again, we were prepared for everything.’
More to follow…