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Argentina’s national team has come under fire for what many have described as a “classless” and “embarrassing” act after their players turned their backs on Spain during the World Cup trophy presentation. Following a heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat, Lionel Messi and his teammates refused to watch as Spain celebrated their triumph at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Tempers flare after dramatic final

Spain clinched a 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time, courtesy of Ferran Torres’ decisive goal. However, the closing moments of the World Cup final were marred by heated exchanges and frustration. The Albiceleste players lost their composure after the final whistle, with Leandro Paredes receiving a red card post-match following an altercation involving Eric Garcia and Gavi.

The tension carried into the medal ceremony. While Spain formed a guard of honour for Messi and his teammates as they collected their silver medals, Argentina chose not to reciprocate. Instead, the squad moved to the far side of the pitch as Spain prepared to lift the coveted trophy.

Pundits condemn Argentina’s behaviour

Further controversy erupted when Argentine fans chanted Messi’s name as Rodri was presented with the Golden Ball award. The scenes sparked widespread criticism, with Argentina’s reaction overshadowing Spain’s victory and becoming a major post-match talking point.

Broadcaster Adrian Durham expressed his disapproval on talkSPORT, saying, “Yeah, no class whatsoever. They’ve been absolutely shocking. They’ve been a total disgrace here today. The fans, we think, have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, when Rodri went up to get the best player in the tournament trophy, the fans were singing Messi’s name and chanting Argentina as well. They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final.”

Questions over Albiceleste’s route to the final

Durham also questioned the legitimacy of Argentina’s journey to the final, suggesting their path had been unusually favourable throughout the tournament.

“Argentina are a total embarrassment to the game, an embarrassment to the World Cup. In fact, they have been an embarrassment all along really, apart from that 20 minutes against England,” he added.

“They were drawn in the easiest group in World Cup history, struggled through the knockouts against Cape Verde, relied on Egypt’s collapse to progress to the quarters, and then faced Switzerland, who sabotaged themselves with a needless red card. Against England in the semis, they were second best but were handed a way through to the final, only to embarrass themselves again. Let’s be honest, Argentina have benefited from a string of fortunate decisions during this entire tournament.”

Disciplinary scrutiny awaits Argentina

The fallout from the final is expected to intensify scrutiny of Argentina’s behaviour following a tournament marked by multiple disciplinary incidents. The controversies during the final, combined with the earlier Falklands banner issue, ensure that the spotlight will continue to focus on the Albiceleste’s conduct as much as their journey to the World Cup final.