Spain's midfielder #16 Rodri lifts the trophy with his teammates after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team following his team’s 1-0 extra-time defeat in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the second period of extra-time as Spain finally broke down 10-man Argentina to win 1-0 at the MetLife Stadium.
The South American champions, featuring star player Lionel Messi, had been seeking to become the first team since 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
“They were the better side — that’s the truth — but I’ll cherish the memory of them (his side), of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far,” Scaloni said.
