Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni left his post-match news conference in tears when discussing his future following Sunday’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.

Scaloni, aged 48, aimed to become only the second manager in history to retain the trophy after leading Argentina to victory in Qatar last year.

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However, European champions Spain were too strong, as Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike allowed Luis de la Fuente’s team to add to their European success.

With his contract expiring in December, Scaloni displayed strong emotions when asked about his future.

“I will talk to the president,” he stated. “I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract and I feel the need; I don’t know if something as big can be done. We need to discuss this.”

“I am thankful to the president for bringing me this opportunity. It was a dream position for everyone. We have tried until the very last minute to give our all, both the staff and players. I believe it’s only fair that I take this time to think about it.”

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As he spoke through tears, Scaloni added, “bear with me, I don’t know if I can continue”.

“This place is wonderful, it is a dream place,” he continued. “None of us, including my staff, ever imagined we would be in this position.”

“To continue, you need a great deal of things, especially resetting your mind, rebooting, and creating a group like this again. That is very difficult to recreate.”

Eventually, he stood up, apologized, and left the room, expressing, “It’s really painful; I am very sorry.”