Argentina national team video analyst Matias Manna has admitted Spain deserved to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, rejecting conspiracy theories surrounding the final and backing the assessments previously made by Lionel Scaloni and Roberto Ayala.
Speaking to Vuelta y Media on Urbana Play, as reported by TyC Sports, Manna revealed he had watched the final several times after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat at MetLife Stadium. His conclusion remained unchanged.
“I watched the final two or three more times. The same thing happened to me in 2022. I didn’t watch extra time in that final, and I didn’t watch this one either. A lot happened there. Extra time is very emotional; there aren’t as many tactical things there, which is what I try to look for. Spain were far superior.”
Spain secured the title through Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute volley after Argentina had been reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez’s second yellow card. The victory completed Spain’s remarkable run of winning the UEFA Nations League, the European Championship and the World Cup within four years.
Rather than focusing on the defeat, Manna praised the football identity Argentina have developed under Scaloni and expressed hope it continues across every level of the national setup.
“Argentina can do it. There’s an Argentine style, a way of playing, of linking up through passes, that I hope they’ll still be playing the same way in 15 years. The kids in the youth divisions are playing like that.”
The analyst also thanked Scaloni, the coaching staff and the players for their work throughout the tournament.
“I am grateful for everything. The way to show gratitude is to try to work to the fullest, and I think everyone on the coaching staff, led by Scaloni, did that. The players have formed a wonderful group.”
Manna also urged supporters to move on from conspiracy theories that circulated after the final, insisting the better team won.
“These things happen when you lose, perhaps, or suspect there might be something going on. Especially on social media today, everything is recorded at all times. If someone says something, people immediately start twisting it. What happened on the field happened. We should congratulate the team that did better in that match and move on.”
His comments reinforce the message already delivered by Scaloni and Ayala, with Argentina’s coaching staff publicly accepting Spain’s superiority rather than questioning the result.
