Lionel Messi and his beaten Argentina teammates deserved all the flak that came their way following the World Cup final, but that should not give Gianni Infantino and FIFA a reprieve, writes Andy Dunn.
According to a polling company, Messi's popularity among British people has declined since he tried to get Marc Cucurella sent off during the final. It is unclear whether this news is keeping Messi awake at night, but you suspect not.
Messi's attempt to land Cucurella in trouble was part of a tapestry of unedifying Argentinian antics and was unbecoming of a great player. But it was hardly the crime of the century. Since when did we become so puritanical? Would Cucurella have done it if the situation of the game had been reversed? Of course he would.
Players trying to get opponents into bother is a staple of modern game
You might hold Messi to a higher moral standard, but players trying to get opponents into bother is a staple of the modern game. It did not help Messi's cause that he was the captain of a squad that turned its back on Spain's coronation after it had also descended into violent disarray at the final whistle.
The offending individuals will deserve whatever punishment comes their way and deserved all the criticism that has already come their way. But let's not pretend we were shocked by the Argentinian reaction to the loss to Spain.
Let's not allow their behaviour to deflect criticism and scrutiny from where it most needs to be directed: at Gianni Infantino and FIFA.
Bryson DeChambeau threatened to get Donald Trump involved in rules row
When it comes to petulant reactions, there was a belter at Royal Birkdale last Friday after Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty for what was a debatable rules infringement. Instead of taking it on the chin, he ranted and raved at officials and apparently threatened to call Donald Trump to get him involved. The President of the United States never stepped in, but you know where the idea came from.
Thankfully, at least one football association is taking a stance. The Norwegians, headed by federation president Lise Klaveness, are set to make an official complaint to FIFA's ethics committee over Trump's involvement in the Folarin Balogun case, which saw the American striker have his red card ban suspended.
More should kick up a fuss over ticket prices and demand changes for 2030
Hopefully, more will follow suit. And hopefully, more will tell the relevant committee that the hydration breaks were aberrations that cannot be repeated. Hopefully, more will kick up a serious fuss over ticket prices and already demand changes for the 2030 World Cup.
Never mind the tantrums shown by several Argentinians after the last whistle — and it has to be said that we seem to be more upset by them than the Spanish are — the final itself was a grotesquely gaudy and elongated occasion. Wayne Rooney had it spot on when he said the best thing about the half-time show was when it finished.
Sure, Argentina's behaviour needs to be punished. And sure, Messi did not cover himself in glory. But the people who really need to be looked at now the World Cup is over are Infantino and FIFA.
