Argentina's players were slammed as "classless" after they turned their backs while Spain lifted the World Cup trophy following a bad-tempered final that descended into chaos. The Argentine squad lost their composure at the final whistle, with violence breaking out that horrified spectators. Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni insisted his players showed dignity in defeat, but the scenes contradicted his assessment.
Confrontation and Brawl at Final Whistle
Spain won the World Cup final 1-0, ending Argentina's title defence. Immediately after the final whistle, Spain's substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch towards Spain captain Rodri's midriff. Rodri confronted Molina, who then shoved him in the chest, triggering a mass brawl involving players from both teams.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who had already been cautioned and was lucky to avoid a second yellow card, became the focal point of the fracas. The 32-year-old struck Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat before Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni intervened to separate the players. Paredes then turned his attention to Gavi, grappling him to the turf and pushing him in the face while clutching his substitute's bib.
Trophy Ceremony Snub
During the trophy ceremony, Argentina's players stood with their backs to the stage as Spain celebrated alongside US President Donald Trump. Former England defender Stuart Pearce, speaking on talkSPORT, 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 more scathing: "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."
Potential FIFA Sanctions
Paredes was reportedly shown a red card after the violence, and several Argentine players, including Enzo Fernandez who was dismissed during the match, now face potential disciplinary action from FIFA. FIFA will review the incidents as standard procedure and could sanction the Argentine Football Association for failing to control their players.
Despite the chaos, Scaloni stated: "We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn't mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here." His remarks were met with surprise given the confrontations at the final whistle.
