Argentina’s conduct during and after their World Cup final defeat to Spain has drawn significant attention, with new footage emerging and former players criticising their actions. The match, which saw Spain secure a 1-0 victory after extra time in New Jersey, concluded with altercations between players and staff from both teams.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time for receiving two yellow cards. His first booking was for dissent towards Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, and he was later dismissed for a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. Despite the red card, Fernandez later stated on social media that the team represented their nation “in the best possible way,” emphasising the group’s commitment and pride.
The decisive goal for Spain came in the 106th minute from Ferran Torres, securing their second World Cup title. However, much of the post-match discussion has focused on the behaviour of the Argentina squad.
Controversy surrounding red card and post-match scenes
Fresh footage circulating online has added to the controversy surrounding Fernandez’s dismissal. The video appears to show Argentina full-back Nicolas Tagliafico clutching his ankle and falling to the ground moments after Fernandez’s foul, despite no Spain player being in close proximity. This occurred after Tagliafico had been walking normally just seconds before.
The footage also shows Lionel Messi approaching referee Slavko Vincic immediately after the red card was issued, pointing towards the grounded Tagliafico. This action was seemingly an attempt to draw the referee’s attention to the incident, potentially hoping for a review of the sequence that led to Fernandez’s dismissal. However, this effort did not alter the decision, and Fernandez’s red card stood, leaving Argentina to play with 10 players.
After Fernandez’s red card, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni initially adjusted his team by asking Julian Alvarez to play deeper to help cover the numerical disadvantage. As Spain maintained possession and territory, Scaloni later introduced an additional defender, which left Messi increasingly isolated in attack.
Following the final whistle, tensions escalated. Nahuel Molina reportedly made contact with Spain captain Rodri, while Leandro Paredes was seen grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground. These actions sparked a heated confrontation involving players from both teams.
Former England internationals have strongly criticised Argentina’s conduct. Ex-England captain Alan Shearer commented on Paredes’s actions, stating there is “no place or space for that.” He added that while losing is painful, there is a way to lose, and Argentina’s reaction after the final whistle was “terrible.” Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart described the behaviour as “disgusting.”
Micah Richards, a former England defender, also questioned Argentina’s behaviour, calling it “embarrassing.” He noted that such conduct after a game is “not good enough” and that Paredes is “better than that.” Wayne Rooney, another former England captain, echoed these sentiments, suggesting the conduct reflected frustration from being outplayed.
Team reaction and future implications
Despite the controversy, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni addressed the situation in his post-match interview, stating, “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.” He acknowledged the loss but emphasised that it does not diminish their journey to the final.
There has been speculation regarding what transpired in the Argentina dressing room before the match, including whether Lionel Messi indicated to his teammates that this would be his final match for the national side. Footage, which has not been independently verified, shows Messi urging his teammates to remain calm and focus on playing, telling them to “forget everything else.”
Messi later expressed his pain on social media, writing, “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things.” Several media outlets in Argentina have suggested that the final could mark the end of an era for the national team, with Scaloni’s future as manager uncertain and Messi unlikely to participate in another World Cup.
Despite the defeat, thousands of Argentina fans welcomed the team back to Buenos Aires with an open-top bus parade. Scaloni and 16 of his 26 players returned to the country, receiving a red carpet welcome at Ezeiza International Airport. However, Messi was not among those who made the trip, instead returning to Miami, where he plays club football for Inter Miami. Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa goalkeeper, who made 11 saves during the final, was among the players who returned to Argentina.
Argentina had a strong run in the tournament, winning their first seven matches in North America against teams including Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England, before their loss to Spain. Notably, they came back from a 2-0 deficit against Egypt to win with three late goals, and in the semi-final against England, they secured a 2-1 victory after being 1-0 down until the 85th minute, with goals from Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Fifa’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the altercations that occurred during and after the final. Any player or coach involved could face suspension, and the Argentine Football Association may also be fined.
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Source: bbc.com
