'Spain were far superior': Argentina national team video analyst dismisses conspiracy theories

Argentina national team video analyst Matias Manna has said Spain deserved to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, dismissing conspiracy theories surrounding the match and echoing the views previously expressed by head coach Lionel Scaloni and assistant coach Roberto Ayala.

Speaking to Vuelta y Media on Urbana Play, as reported by TyC Sports, Manna said he had rewatched the final several times and concluded that Spain were the superior team.

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"I watched the final two or three more times. The same thing happened to me in 2022. I didn't watch extra time in that final, and I didn't watch this one either. A lot happened there. Extra time is very emotional; there aren't as many tactical things there, which is what I try to look for. Spain were far superior," he said.

De la Fuente's Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to lift the World Cup, completing a remarkable clean sweep of the Nations League, the UEFA European Championship and football's biggest prize in the space of four years.

Substitute Ferran Torres settled the final with a 106th-minute volley, moments after Argentina had been reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez's second yellow card.

Manna added that Spain had been the better side throughout the match, while also highlighting the playing identity that has defined Argentina under Scaloni.

I watched the final two or three more times. The same thing happened to me in 2022. I didn't watch extra time in that final, and I didn't watch this one either. A lot happened there. Extra time is very emotional; there aren't as many tactical things there, which is what I try to look for. Spain were far superior.

Argentina national team video analyst Matias Manna

"Argentina can do it. There's an Argentine style, a way of playing, of linking up through passes, that I hope they'll still be playing the same way in 15 years. The kids in the youth divisions are playing like that," he said.

The analyst also expressed gratitude for being part of Argentina's World Cup campaign, praising the work of the coaching staff and players.

"I am grateful for everything. The way to show gratitude is to try to work to the fullest, and I think everyone on the coaching staff, led by Scaloni, did that. The players have formed a wonderful group," he said.

Manna also rejected conspiracy theories that have circulated on social media about the final, urging fans to accept the result.

"These things happen when you lose, perhaps, or suspect there might be something going on. Especially on social media today, everything is recorded at all times. If someone says something, people immediately start twisting it. What happened on the field happened. We should congratulate the team that did better in that match and move on," he said.