FIFA World Cup 2026 | ‘We are fair winners’: Lionel Scaloni after Argentina beat Spain in title clash

Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi (Image credit: X) Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players after their dramatic 2-1 win over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, saying the team had already achieved something “incredible” and would now give everything to win the title.Argentina came from behind in Atlanta to book their place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain. England, meanwhile, missed out on their first World Cup finals since 1966 and will now face France in a play-off for third place. Scaloni was full of praise for his team and thanked every player, including those who came off the bench.“We have to thank the players. It’s hard to put into words what this group has done. We’ll try to win the final, but what these guys have already done is incredible. I’m grateful to the players. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. Special mention to the non-players and the outside support. It’s an incredible group. Those who came off the bench during the press conference today were essential,” said Scalatoni.

‘We’ll give it our all’

Scaloni said personal accolades don’t matter to him. His only concern is making sure the team is ready for every challenge.“I hope people think something good about me, but honestly, it doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t move me. It’s about the guys going out on the field in good shape and there’s always tomorrow. I think we’re fair winners. We’re ready to face what comes next.”Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Scaloni vowed that Argentina will leave nothing behind in their bid to retain the World Cup.“We will try to win, we will give everything. But this is already impressive. We are unique and it is not arrogance. It is heart. The jersey deserves it. To give everything until the end, not holding anything back,” said Scaloni.

“This team plays better when it’s in trouble”

Scaloni said his team never stopped believing despite trailing late in the game. He felt Argentina created enough chances and kept attacking until the break came.“In football, as in life, you have to give everything until the end. This team plays better when it’s in trouble. If it hadn’t been possible, we would have lost 1-0 with seven chances to score a goal. We pushed until the end. We thought the game against Egypt was the pinnacle and this one exceeded it,” said Scaloni.He also talked about how quickly emotions change in football.“These are the only moments of pure happiness we have. Tomorrow the bitterness will start again. These players do not feel burdened with responsibility. We are not successful just because we win or not. The most important thing is how we approach situations,” he added.

Argentina prepared the final against Spain

England went ahead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon and were looking for a way to victory. But Argentina defended strongly.Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute before Lionel Messi set up Lautaro Martinez for the stoppage-time winner to complete a stunning comeback.The match was balanced throughout, both teams created few clear chances in the first half. Argentina will now face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, while England face France in a play-off for third place.