Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni walks out of press conference after World Cup final defeat

An emotional Lionel Scaloni could not continue his press conference after his Argentina side lost the World Cup final to Spain.

Scaloni, whose contract as La Albiceleste manager runs out at the end of this year, broke down in tears post-match.

AFP

Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal won Spain their second World Cup and their first Jules Rimet trophy since success in 2010.

The Barcelona forward’s strike came following a 90 minutes that saw Argentina fail to have a single shot in normal time.

In fact, their only two shots of the entire final came in the last three minutes of extra-time as they pushed for an equaliser.

It meant Lionel Messi and co. were denied a second straight World Cup, with the loss leaving Scaloni devastated.

Emotions pour out

Post-match in New York, New Jersey, he was asked about his future as manager after a successful eight years in his post.

He said: “I will talk to the president. I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract and I feel the need, I don’t know if something as big can be done. We need to speak this through.

“I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment.

“It was a dream place for everyone. We have tried up until the very last minute to give our utmost, the staff and players.

“I believe it’s only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through.”

Scaloni would then be overcome with emotion, as tears fell and he struggled to speak when talking about his situation.

The Argentina boss added: “Bear with me, I don’t know if I can continue.

“This place is wonderful, it is a dream place. We would never have imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place.

“To continue, you need a great deal of things, especially resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again.

“That is very difficult to create again…this one.

“It hurts my soul. I am very sorry.”

Scaloni’s voice broke as he said the final line, standing up to abruptly leave his press conference, with media clapping him as he left.

AFP

Second Argentinian walkout

Scaloni was the second Argentina manager to leave a press conference early over the weekend after a painful defeat.

He left in tears, while rugby head coach Felipe Contepomi departed in anger following a loss at the Nations Championship.

Contepomi stormed out of his media duties back in Buenos Aires due to the music coming from the English dressing room.

The head coach walked out, citing a ‘lack of respect’ from England.

Meanwhile, back at the World Cup, it was Argentina who were accused of lacking respect with their behaviour post-match.

Leandro Paredes threw punches after the final whistle before the squad turned their backs on Spain’s trophy lift.