‘From people who don’t know us’ – Scaloni defends Argentina players following ugly scenes in World Cup final defeat

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has hit back at critics of his side after their World Cup final defeat.

Scaloni’s team were beaten 1-0 by Spain after extra time, with the final whistle then followed by ugly scenes as the players clashed, with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes reacting angrily to Spain‘s celebrations.

But in a statement, Scaloni has praised his players and apologised to the fans for not winning another World Cup.

“After an intense week in which sadness has intertwined with joy, tears with smiles, anxiety with tranquillity, and nerves with calm, I can sit down to write a few words,” Scaloni wrote on Instagram.

“All I can say is I’m sorry for not being able to bring you another cup and give you a new source of joy which, even if only for a few days, might help you forget all the ugliness in life. But I want you to take away what we’ve tried to show you through this group of players, my warriors — as I used to describe them when I spoke to my wife about them.

“The effort, the drive, the passion, the ‘I can do it’ attitude, the refusal to give up [even when the going gets tough], giving it your all [even when you’ve got nothing left], putting up with buckets of cold water [FROM PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW US], keeping your composure, wanting to stay on your feet when your legs no longer obey your brain … That is the real trophy.

“I am eternally grateful to my coaching staff, the players, the AFA staff — those who work quietly behind the scenes to ensure we’re comfortable — and to each and every one of you for the affection you’ve shown.”