Lionel Scaloni has criticized the referee's decision in the World Cup final that led to Enzo Fernandez's red card, which he believes impacted Argentina's performance. Fernandez scored a crucial equalizer against England in the semifinal, but was sent off in the 93rd minute of the final for a second yellow card after a reckless challenge. Scaloni argued the referee could have avoided the first yellow card earlier, which would have prevented the dismissal.
The 93rd-minute sending off reduced Argentina to ten men, allowing Ferran Torres to score the decisive goal in extra time for England. Scaloni described the referee’s actions as overzealous, particularly the initial caution for dissent, which he felt was unnecessary in a high-stakes final. "Enzo’s sending-off, I think the referee could have avoided giving him that first yellow card, but well, it is what it is," Scaloni stated during the post-match press conference.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Scaloni expressed pride in his team’s journey, emphasizing their resilience in reaching the final. He acknowledged the emotional toll of the defeat and the difficulty of rebuilding such a cohesive group in the future. "It was a dream to play for everyone and we tried up until the very last minute," Scaloni said, reflecting on the team’s achievements and the magnitude of their loss.
Scaloni also addressed questions about his own future, stating he will take time to assess his role before deciding whether to continue as Argentina’s coach. He praised Lionel Messi, 39, for his unparalleled career, noting the striker’s clear decision to retire from international football. "He’s the best player to ever stand on a pitch," Scaloni said, emphasizing the support of the team for Messi’s legacy.
The defeat marks a poignant end to Messi’s international career, with Scaloni highlighting the emotional weight of the moment. The coach called for time to "reset [his] mind and reboot" before determining his next steps, acknowledging the challenge of recreating such a successful squad. "This is really painful," Scaloni admitted, underscoring the significance of the loss and the need for reflection.
