We play to make our people happy, and that is why the pain is great: Scaloni

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni could not hold back his emotions once again as he returned to his hometown of Pujato on Wednesday, where hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome him home despite La Albiceleste's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Having landed in Buenos Aires a day after Monday's agonising loss, Scaloni travelled to the Santa Fe town where he received a hero's welcome. But the pain of missing out on another world title was still evident, with the coach breaking down in tears for the second time in as many days after also becoming emotional during his post-final press conference.

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Addressing the crowd, Scaloni admitted the defeat continued to weigh heavily on him and his players.

"We did not manage to win," Scaloni said, as reported by Spanish newspaper AS. "We know that we play to make our people happy, and that is why the pain is great."

The 48-year-old also acknowledged Spain's superiority on the biggest stage, insisting there was no shame in accepting the reality of the final.

"Sometimes you win, and other times you lose. We have to admit that Spain played better, and that makes us better too," he said.

Scaloni, who guided Argentina through one of the most successful eras in the nation's football history, praised his team's fighting spirit despite falling short.

"The feeling is always the same, which is that we fight until the end when things do not go as we want. We must realise, as Argentinians, that the opponent also plays, and may be better than you, but despite that we made the task difficult for them," he added.

The emotional reception also turned into a public appeal for Scaloni to remain in charge of the national team.

Supporters repeatedly chanted, "Leo will not leave!" amid growing uncertainty surrounding his future. Scaloni's contract runs until December, and although he had earlier hinted he could step aside once his deal expires, he has stopped short of making any definitive announcement.

Responding to the chants, Scaloni offered little clarity but indicated he would continue for now.

"I am continuing until December, and we will keep fighting," he said, leaving the door open on what comes next after an era that has brought unprecedented success to Argentina.