Lisandro Martinez has hit back at claims Argentina showed a lack of class when they turned their backs to Spain's World Cup trophy lift. The South Americans failed to defend their world crown in North America, outclassed by the European champions, who scored their winner in extra-time through Ferran Torres.
Argentina's actions defended
Argentina's dark arts tactics had been apparent in the lead-up to the final and they tried to rattle Spain. They had Enzo Fernandez sent off before tensions boiled over after the final whistle as the two teams clashed. The Argentines picked up their runners-up medals before going over to their section of the crowd, and an image of them standing with their backs to Spain went viral, sparking accusations of a lack of class.
But Martinez has defended their actions, insisting they were sharing a moment with their fans, not shunning the winners, whom they met and congratulated once the dust had settled. The Manchester United defender said: “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. After the final, we greeted all the Spanish players and coaching staff.”
Further incidents and backlash
Argentina's conduct was further put under the spotlight when Leandro Paredes clashed with Gavi and Eric Garcia on the pitch, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also involved in an altercation with Dani Olmo. Martinez though believes the backlash has gone over the top. “I have mixed feelings. It makes me a little angry because they have no basis for generating that hatred,” the Argentine added. “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.”
End of a tournament run
Argentina's defeat brought their impressive tournament run to an end. They won the Copa America in 2021, Lionel Messi's first international trophy, and then went on to claim the World Cup and defend their Copa America title. They couldn't make it four on the bounce, having seen off the likes of Egypt, Switzerland and England en route to the final. It is almost certainly Messi's last international tournament, with the 39-year-old unable to enjoy the perfect swansong.
