BBC and ITV pundits were unanimous in their condemnation of Argentina's behaviour as 'disgusting' following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. The defending champions, led by Lionel Messi, lost 1-0 in extra time in New Jersey after Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off just before extra time for a second yellow card in a match dominated by spoiling tactics.
Unsavoury Scenes at Full-Time
There were further unsavoury scenes at full-time involving Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina. Argentina defender Molina struck Spain midfielder Rodri as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate Spain's victory. Paredes appeared to grab Eric Garcia by the throat and then threw Gavi to the ground.
BBC Pundits React
Ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart said: 'There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.' Hart added: 'Spain fully deserve it. They have been absolutely superb all tournament. They have dominated all game against a rigid, rugged Argentina. The best team has won this World Cup.'
Fellow pundit and former England star Wayne Rooney said of Argentina's behaviour: 'Does it surprise you? It doesn't surprise me. We've seen this with Argentina before. It's just not the reaction you want. We've seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That's just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It's really poor from them.' Rooney continued: 'That's a reaction to them being outplayed, out-fought, out-thought on the football pitch, and then they resort to that at the end. It's poor from those two players.'
Micah Richards added: 'It's quite embarrassing really. In the game, they were just on the cusp every single time. Paredes doesn't need to do that, he's better than that, and it doesn't stop there – it keeps going and going and going. We all know what it's like to lose a game, we can be very frustrated, but this is not good enough – it's not a good look at all.'
ITV Pundits Share Similar View
ITV's pundits and commentators shared a similar view. Gary Neville singled out Paredes' behaviour for criticism, saying: 'They're very competitive and I love that element of them, but (Paredes) has just been a disgrace for the last couple of games, and why the referees have allowed him to continue doing what he is doing…'
ITV's co-commentators agreed that Spain were deserved winners. Lee Dixon accused Argentina of 'anti-football' and questioned how Paredes had remained on the pitch, while Ally McCoist said Spain were 'the only team trying to win this game'. Dixon said: 'You have to say, especially after those scenes just then, well done Spain. Football has been the winner, there's no doubt about that. They're a deserved team to win it on the day. Throughout the tournament they've gotten better and better, conceding one goal in a World Cup tournament just says everything you need to know about how organised and creative they are. They've got pace down the wings and they're good to watch. On the other hand, today, Argentina were just anti-football, and the scenes at the end, how Paredes is still on the pitch, I'll never know. I made out six or seven times he should have been sent off. (Messi's) legacy coming to an end. Wasn't at his best today, wasn't allowed to be.'
Previous Controversies
Argentina were previously criticised for their aggressive behaviour during their 2-1 semi-final win over England, after which players unveiled a banner claiming sovereignty of the Falklands Islands. FIFA investigated the banner later.
