Lisandro Martinez has explained that Argentina players turned their backs on Spain’s World Cup trophy lift as a sign of respect to their own supporters, not as a slight against the new champions. The unsavoury scenes at the final in New Jersey sparked backlash, with Argentina players branded 'sore losers' after they refused to watch Spain parade the trophy.
Martinez defends team-mates
The Manchester United centre-back says he has 'mixed feelings' about how Argentina’s World Cup defence ended and is angered by the negative reaction. 'It makes me a little angry because they have no basis for generating that hatred,' Martinez told reporters on his return to his hometown Gualeguay. 'They say we’re arrogant but maybe it says more about the people who say those things than about us. We have always been respectful to our opponents.'
Respect for Argentine fans
Martinez refuted claims they disrespected Spain, stating: 'After the final, we greeted all the Spanish players and coaching staff. The image where we appear with our backs to the camera was because we stayed singing with our fans. It was a show of respect towards the Argentine fans, we couldn’t leave.'
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier defended his players, saying they set a 'great example for our people and country' and 'showed how to lose'. He said: 'We accept that we lost, we gave everything, we arrived at a very crucial moment, but if they leave everything on the field like they did today, it’s a great example for our people and country. You lose and you have to get back up again. Today we showed that we know how to lose.'
Investigation pending
The final was marred by several incidents, including a skirmish involving Leandro Parades kicking and shoving Gavi and Eric Garcia, and Argentina coach Roberto Ayala punching Dani Olmo in the neck. FIFA have confirmed an investigation into Argentina’s conduct after the final.
