'The best player to ever stand on a pitch' – Scaloni hails Messi's accomplishments

Lionel Scaloni hailed Lionel Messi as "the best player to ever stand on a pitch" as questions continue to swirl around the Argentina captain's future.

It was an underwhelming display from Argentina in the World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner in extra time to earn Spain a 1-0 win.

Argentina have finished as runners-up at the World Cup for the fourth time (also 1930, 1990 and 2014), the joint-most of any side, along with Germany.

Messi, who became just the second player to feature in three men's World Cup finals, was largely kept quiet in the contest that Spain dominated.

The 39-year-old had one of Argentina's two shots – which came in the 117th minute – and had 56 touches, the third-highest total in the team, who only had 34.9% possession throughout.

Messi had led Argentina to three straight major titles, winning the last two Copa America titles on either side of their 2022 World Cup triumph, and Scaloni says you cannot question his achievements.

"He's 39 years old; it's unbelievable," Scaloni said. "There's nothing new to discover from my side.

"It was crystal clear he was going to play until he decided not to. All of our people support him, and I hope everyone is proud of what he's achieved because he's the best player to ever stand on a pitch."

Messi's future is not the only one in doubt, with questions also being raised over whether or not Scaloni will continue.

The 48-year-old initially took over in a caretaker role after the 2018 World Cup before the job was made permanent that November.

He ended Argentina's 28-year trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa America, also leading them to the Finalissima title the following year.

Scaloni's current contract runs until December, and he says he will see it out before making any decisions.

"I will talk to the president," he said in his press conference, shortly before leaving it in tears. "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 speak this through.

"I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment. It was a dream place for everyone.

"We have tried up until the very last minute to give our utmost, the staff and players. I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through."