Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia has dismissed World Cup final conspiracy theories and said Spain deserved to win. In the wake of last Sunday's showpiece clash, a significant amount of controversy over the result and what may have happened ahead of the game has come to light.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni and captain Lionel Messi both hinted at something impacting the team moments before the final which has resulted in a number of conspiracy theories emerging. Argentina supporters have also furiously demanded that the final is replayed.
Tapia's statement
However, Tapia has attempted to draw a line under the game in a clear statement. He began by stating: "Don't be fooled by lies. They were superior, they beat us fair and square...", before adding "you shouldn't be swayed by schemes that only seek to destabilise".
Ferran Torres grabbed the only goal of the game in extra-time but it was the ugly post-match scenes that stole the headlines with Leandro Parades, Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all captured appearing to punch Spain players. Tapia has also subtly seemed to hit out against that before praising the efforts of the nation.
His full statement read: "In sports, you also learn by accepting defeats with the same grace with which you celebrate victories. Yes, we lost a final. But it's also true that this group had just brought immense joy to the country. Argentina had celebrated a match earlier because this team once again demonstrated why it means so much to our people.
"Losing hurts. It hurts because we are competitive, because we are the most successful team in history, and because second place is never enough for us. It hurts because we are used to fighting until the end and because we continue to be one of the two best teams in the world.
"But let's stop for a moment. Let's think about the sacrifice of these players, the coaching staff, and every person who worked for more than 50 days away from their families, with a single objective: to represent Argentina in the best way possible. We are Argentinians.
"We compete with grit, with passion, and with heart. We give everything in every training session and every match. We also represent all of the Americas with enormous pride. We defend our colours Our flag and our country on every pitch in the world.
"That's why you shouldn't be swayed by lies or by schemes that only seek to destabilize. Enough of trying to turn against those who have given so much to our football. Today is a time to give thanks, to support, and to recognize these players who once again gave their all for the shirt. Schemes come and go.
"The commitment, the work, and the heart of our National Team remain forever. There are no excuses here. Here, we play football. And this National Team will continue to represent Argentina with the same pride as always."
