Scaloni addresses Messi retirement rumors after World Cup final loss

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni returned to his hometown after his team’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, where he was surrounded by journalists seeking answers about his future with the national team, as well as the fate of captain Lionel Messi.

Scaloni had raised questions about his own continuity after becoming visibly emotional and breaking down in tears during the post-match press conference in New Jersey, following Ferran Torres’s dramatic late winner for Spain.

Although the coach, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, stopped to speak with reporters who blocked his car, he did not give definitive answers about his future, instead responding to questions with an uncharacteristic smile.

Asked whether Lionel Messi plans to retire from international football, Scaloni said: "I don’t know anything about Messi’s plans."

He also addressed speculation about goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s possible retirement, after Martinez hinted at it in an online post, saying: "After a tournament, it’s normal for these things to come up. I don’t browse the internet."

Regarding his own future with Argentina, Scaloni confirmed: "We are continuing until December (when the contract ends). The most important thing is that the fans know we gave everything we had. Argentina comes first, whether it’s with me or another coach. What matters is unity and harmony within the squad."

View the post on X

He added: "I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that I would reach this position and achieve all that we have. Anyone would want to be in this place."

The Argentine coach also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome the team received upon returning home, despite losing the title. He said: "We saw the fans happy—even the children celebrated as if we were champions. It’s amazing, an incredible reception. We proved we can be gracious in defeat, and there are many positives to take away."