Scaloni rejects ‘unfair’ refereeing claim, says Spain were ‘better’ in final

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed complaints about refereeing after his sides’ 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, admitting that they were outplayed by the Spanish side in the showdown at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday.

Argentina had to play the entire extra time with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez got sent off in the stoppage time after a second yellow card for a tackle on Pau Cubarsi.

Ferran Torres then scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

"Was the officiating unfair? No, we lost because Spain were better than us," Scaloni told reporters on his return to Argentina.

"We've got to admit it, they played better. That will make us better in the long run," he added.

Scaloni’s Argentina managed just two shots in the match, none on target. Scaloni pointed to fatigue after Argentina's extra time semifinal win over England for the underwhelming performance.

"We probably arrived at the final running on empty, that's the reality," Scaloni added.

Argentina lost defender Lisandro Martinez to injury in the first half and later withdrew Cristian Romero.

Scaloni broke down in tears during his post-match press conference, indicating he may leave his role after completing his contract, which will run out in December.

The 48-year-old coach reiterated his position after landing in Argentina as well.

"I'll stay until December, and after that I'll most likely step aside. The idea is to take a break and slow down a bit."