Lucuix: “We took Brazil to the limit”

Argentina lost the Finalíssima de Futsal 2026 semi-final to Brazil in the penalty shootout, after a 1-1 draw. They will now face Portugal in the third-place play-off.

Argentina coach Matías Lucuix analysed the elimination and said he was proud of the group. “We gave everything, we reached our limit and the game ended level, decided on penalties. I am very happy with this group of players, who show the world that when they wear the national shirt, they give an extra. It is the image we want, because we are in a different process and we continue to build a strong team for what lies ahead.”

Sadness and recovery

Lucuix acknowledged that the mood is one of disappointment, but asked the team to recover quickly. “The sadness is there and we have to recover fast. The feelings are not very good or positive. We played a great game, took the opponent to the limit and went to penalties. We will recover, because we always have and we have always shown the world that we can play on equal terms with every national team. Beyond the names, the badge always comes first, and that drives us to give an extra.”

The coach also pointed to the quality of the opponent. “If we do the maths, there are 12 of the 14 best players in the world. They took one out, put another in, and each one better than the last.”

The game against Brazil

On the clash, Lucuix said the team once again took Brazil to the limit. “It was a very balanced game on both sides. We took Brazil to the limit again, and that is suffering. They are world champions and Copa América champions, and they must have the best players in the world in the same squad. They could surely put together ten national teams. Every time we face them, we take the game to the limit. For me it is a pride, a real pride.”

Lucuix also mentioned the injuries to Luciano Gauna and Sarmiento, two players who could not make their contribution.

Refereeing and South American futsal

A Spanish journalist asked him about the intensity of the Argentina–Brazil classic, which he had seen at the Copa América in San Juan. Lucuix replied: “This futsal is a contact sport. In other parts of the world it is played differently, but we live it this way. Both we and they know they also play to their limit, and it is often permissive. The limit is set by the players. It is a game of physical contact and we go to the limit.”

Women’s futsal and the 2028 World Cup

The coach spoke about the development of women’s futsal in Argentina. “Women’s futsal is on its way, and this is the project Argentina will present for the 2028 World Cup. Argentina has already played three world finals. When we look back, people don’t recognise what is happening.”

Spain

On the Spanish national team, Lucuix said he admires coach Jesús Velasco, who was his coach. “Without doubt, Jesús is a reference for me. I had him as a coach and I admire him. It would be very good to face them in the future. No, because it is a very closed game. They are two great national teams.”

Finally, asked about Spain’s result, he was direct. “I care little about that result, because I will be much more focused on our game with Portugal.”