Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has dismissed claims that controversial refereeing decisions impacted the outcome of the FIFA World Cup final against Spain. Following the 1-0 defeat at the New York New Jersey Stadium, which ended Argentina's reign as world champions, Scaloni addressed the media upon his return to Argentina. He explicitly denied that the officiating was unfair, stating, "We lost the World Cup final because Spain were the better team. We have to acknowledge that Spain played better."
Argentina faced significant difficulties throughout the match, failing to register a single shot on goal during the initial 90 minutes. By the conclusion of extra time, the team had managed only two shots, controlled just 35% of possession, and completed fewer than half the passes of their opponents. This performance followed an arduous tournament path that required extra time in two of their four knockout matches against Cape Verde and Switzerland. Conversely, Spain concluded the tournament as the standout team, winning seven games and drawing one while conceding only a single goal, setting a record for the fewest goals allowed by a tournament winner.
Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Gavi addressed a post-match scuffle that occurred in New York, rejecting the notion that Argentina's players should face suspensions for their conduct. Gavi, who was an unused substitute during the final, was involved in an altercation where he was taken to the ground by Leandro Paredes. Speaking upon the team's arrival in Madrid, the Barcelona player characterized the incident as a normal byproduct of the game's inherent aggression. Scaloni was credited with intervening during the confrontation to restore order, effectively putting an end to the post-match incident.
Scaloni's side looked off the pace during the final, failing to attempt a single shot on goal for the entire 90 minutes.
La Albiceleste's coach Lionel Scaloni eventually jumped in between the players, allowing order to be restored after a moment of madness.
