Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was unable to finish his post-match press conference on Sunday night, breaking down in tears and walking out after Spain’s extra-time victory in the World Cup final denied his side back-to-back titles.Ferran Torres’s goal proved the difference in a tight encounter at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Scaloni visibly overcome when asked about his future afterwards.”My soul hurts,” he said before departing the room to applause from the assembled Argentine media.The 48-year-old openly questioned whether he could carry on in the role, telling reporters through tears: “I have to be honest and say that I have to take time and think about the future, because I am not sure this can be achieved again.”Lionel Scaloni walked out of his press conference in tears | FIFAScaloni’s departure would mark the end of one of the most successful managerial spells in Argentine football history. When he took the reins in 2018, he was a largely unknown appointment, and the national side had endured 28 years without a major men’s trophy.Within three years, he guided them to Copa America glory in 2021. A year later came the crowning achievement — ending Argentina’s 36-year World Cup drought with a dramatic final victory over France in Qatar.A second Copa America followed in 2024, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s most decorated coaches.His current deal with the Argentine Football Association expires in December, and he indicated he would see out the remaining months before making any decision. He confirmed he planned to speak with AFA president Claudio Tapia about what comes next.Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni couldn’t finish his World Cup final press conference after breaking down in tears 😢 pic.twitter.com/qVZ0IDXL66— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 20, 2026 Scaloni reflected on the enormity of what his coaching staff and players had built together, describing the Argentina job as “a dream place” that he never imagined occupying.Yet he was candid about the scale of the challenge that would await him should he stay on.”In order to continue, a lot of things are needed,” he said. “Above all, to reset again and go back to form a group like this. That is unlikely to happen.”Struggling to compose himself, he told reporters: “Bear with me, I don’t know if I can continue.”He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity he had been given, but acknowledged that the mental demands of starting another World Cup cycle weighed heavily.”I think it is fair that I can take this time and think about it,” he said, before standing up, apologising, and leaving the room.Spain went on to win the World Cup after a turgid match against Argentina | REUTERSScaloni reserved his highest praise for Messi, who at 39 was almost certainly playing his last match on the world stage. “He is the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch,” the manager declared, adding that it had always been clear to him that Messi would play for as long as he wished, with everyone’s full backing.Messi himself was spotted in tears on the pitch after the final whistle, having endured a subdued performance following several heroic displays earlier in the tournament.Lionel Messi was also among the Argentina stars in tears | GETTYArgentina’s showing was well below their best, failing to register a single shot on target across the entire match. Their task was made harder still when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a red card, forcing them to finish with ten men.