Argentina's squad have been labelled sore losers after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, but one player showed his class by defying his team-mates' behaviour after full-time.
Ferran Torres' extra-time strike proved the difference in Sunday's bad-tempered finale, which Argentina finished with ten men after Enzo Fernandez's sending off. Violent clashes between the two sets of players threatened to overshadow Spain's celebrations, as Leandro Paredes appeared to be sent off, though the red card was later removed from the record by FIFA, according to the BBC.
Argentina's shameful behaviour
Argentina's players were seen with their backs turned while Rodri held the trophy surrounded by his team-mates on the podium. The images spread across social media, drawing fierce backlash, with Argentina's players opting to face their own supporters rather than the winning team.
Everyone apart from Jose Manuel Lopez, an unused substitute, who is being praised for demonstrating the right way to lose. Footage shows Lopez courteously fronting up to Spain's celebrations with his hands behind his back, standing inches apart from Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, who is looking in the opposite direction.
Praise for Lopez
'Lopez is a true gentleman,' one commentator said on X. A second fan wrote: 'Lopez kept his gaze on the new champions while the rest of the Argentine national team looked toward the stands. His gesture of respect in raising Spain's Cup says a lot about him. You can win or lose but you should never fail to show respect.'
'All over the world they (we) are recognising that gesture of honour and sportsmanship. Great job, Flaco,' said a third. 'The one Argentinian player who showed not just integrity, but a willingness to stand against his own team,' wrote another. 'The only Argentinian player who did not turn his back and who clapped for the Spanish winners. I hope a European team picks him up. Class and integrity.'
Scaloni defends his squad
An emotional Lionel Scaloni defended his squad, insisting his players had set a 'great example for our people and country' while 'showing how to lose'. He said: 'Spain were the better side – that's the truth – but I'll cherish the memory of [my side], of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far.'
'We have to pick ourselves up again, there is no other way. I certainly value the runners-up spot because it takes so much to get here, and I think it deserves huge recognition.' He added: 'We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. 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.'
