Spain and Argentina face each other in the 2026 World Cup final

Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final against Spain 1-0. The defeat meant more than losing the title: it could have been Lionel Messi’s last game and left the continuity of coach Lionel Scaloni in doubt, who burst into tears at the press conference.

When asked if he has the strength to continue, Scaloni said that he will fulfill his contract until December. Then he added that he never imagined being in that place and that to continue he needs to reset and form a group like the current one, something that he considers difficult to repeat. Tears overcame him and the press officer withdrew him.

“I never imagined being in this place. To continue, a lot of things are needed, above all to reset, to form a group like this again, which will hardly be formed again, and it hurts my soul, I’m sorry…”

Before breaking down, Scaloni highlighted the path he had traveled: “I do remember the second places, because it costs a lot to get here and you have to give it enormous value… I feel grateful.” He also mentioned that when you leave everything behind, it is difficult to blame something.

Scaloni took office after Argentina’s elimination in 2018. The defeat in the United States leaves a bitter taste, but the legacy of the cycle remains intact.

Four goals that place him in history

Mexico’s participation in the 2026 World Cup left outstanding moments: undefeated group stage, victory against Ecuador and an intense duel against England. But there was one name that shone with its own light: Julián Quiñones.

The Al-Qadisiyah forward became the tricolor’s most decisive player. He was the offensive engine and the team’s top scorer with four goals in his first World Cup.

Quiñones equaled the historical mark shared by Luis Hernández and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, both with four goals, although they needed more World Cup appearances to achieve it.

His goals came against South Africa in the opening match at the Mexico City Stadium, against the Czech Republic at the close of the group stage, against Ecuador in the round of 32 and against England in the round of 16.

Fourth place in the scoring table

With those four goals, Julián Quiñones placed himself among the top 10 scorers of the tournament. The list was headed by Kylian Mbappé with 10 conquests.

• Kylian Mbappé: 10 goals
• Lionel Messi: 8 goals
• Jude Bellingham: 7 goals
• Erling Haaland: 7 goals
• Ousmane Dembélé: 6 goals
• Harry Kane: 6 goals
• Mikel Merino: 5 goals
• Ismaila Sarr: 4 goals
• Julián Quiñones: 4 goals
• Vinicius Junior: 4 goals

The Mexican finished in fourth place on the list, one position above Vinicius Junior. His performance was not only historic for the national team, but also highlights him as a key piece for the future of the national team.

Pride without flags of defeat

Thousands of Argentines gathered around the Obelisk in Buenos Aires on Sunday. It was not to celebrate a title, but to give thanks. The national team lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, but there was no shortage of affection.

With their faces painted light blue and white, the fans sang and jumped to the rhythm of the drums. Fireworks illuminated the sky while images of the players and Lionel Messi’s goals during the tournament were projected on the Obelisk.

“Gratitude, gratitude because they have had a good championship. To be among the two best in the world today is very gratifying for us,” Andrea Galaxio, one of the thousands of Argentines cheering there, told The Associated Press.

Fans began to gather early, braving the rain and cold of the southern winter.

“This represents the team: the determination, the courage, the Argentine suffering and, above all, the resilience in the face of adversity. It will always, always be like this,” said Pablo Amarillo, 41, as he looked at the crowd.

Argentina lost the opportunity to win its fourth World Cup when it fell to Spain in overtime. With the victory, Spain won its second world title, the first in 16 years.

President Javier Milei congratulated the players minutes after the game.

“Thank you very much, players…!!! Until the end with the boots on. Argentina always at the top,” he wrote in X.

The United States ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, also joined.

“Thank you to the Scaloneta for this magnificent World Cup! An elite team that, with resilience, courage and an exceptional level of play, earned the respect and applause of the whole world,” he published on X.

The match almost certainly marked the last World Cup match for Messi, who at 39 years old played in his third final.

“Messi transcends football. He tells us that we must never give up, that we must insist until we can’t take it anymore,” said Tomás Aramayo, 21, at the Fan Fest in Palermo. “Messi gave everything to see us happy.”