Argentina were branded "classless" after their players appeared to turn their backs as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy following an ill-tempered final that descended into chaos. The Argentine players lost their composure when the final whistle blew, with violence erupting on the pitch and viewers left appalled.
Remarkably, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni claimed his players were gracious in defeat after the match. The former champions' title defence ended in a 1-0 loss to Spain, but the fallout was dominated by ugly scenes both immediately after the final whistle and during the trophy presentation.
Former players and pundits condemn Argentina's behaviour
Former England defender Stuart Pearce was among those left stunned as Argentina's players stood with their backs to the podium while Spain celebrated alongside US President Donald Trump. Speaking on talkSPORT, Pearce said: "When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their back to the trophy lift. That probably tells you a great deal, doesn't it?"
Presenter Adrian Durham was even more critical, saying: "Yeah, no class, whatsoever. They've been absolutely shocking. They've been a total disgrace here today. The fans, we think have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, also when Rodri went up to get the best player in the tournament trophy, the fans were singing Messi's name and they were singing Argentina as well. They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final."
Mass confrontation on the pitch at full-time
The trophy presentation came after extraordinary scenes erupted on the pitch at full-time. As Spain's substitutes sprinted onto the field to celebrate, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to swing a punch towards Spain captain Rodri's stomach. Rodri stopped in his tracks and confronted Molina, who then squared up to the midfielder and bumped him in the chest, sparking a mass confrontation.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who had already been booked during the final and was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card, then became the central figure in the melee. The 32-year-old appeared to jab Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat before Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni rushed over in an attempt to separate the players. Moments later, Paredes turned his attention to Gavi, wrestling the Spain midfielder to the ground before appearing to shove him in the face while gripping his substitute's bib. Spain striker Borja Iglesias was among those to intervene as players from both sides piled into the altercation.
Possible disciplinary action from FIFA
Paredes was reportedly shown a red card after the violence stopped, with several Argentine players, including Enzo Fernandez who was sent off during the match, now set to face disciplinary punishments. FIFA will investigate the ugly scenes as a matter of course and could punish the Argentine FA for failing to control their players.
The chaotic scenes appeared at odds with Scaloni's assessment of his team's behaviour after the match. "We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose," Scaloni said. "We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn't mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here." Those comments were met with raised eyebrows given the confrontations at the final whistle.
