Post-match altercations mar final
The Argentina national football team’s World Cup journey concluded with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final, a match that saw chaotic scenes erupt after the final whistle. The incident began when Spain’s substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate their victory in New Jersey. Amidst the celebrations, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina reportedly swung a punch towards a Spain player.
Further altercations involved Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who was seen pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat. Paredes then wrestled Spain’s Gavi to the ground, pushing into his face and appearing to kick out at him. These actions led to Paredes receiving a straight red card after the full-time whistle, following an earlier yellow card for dissent during the match.
The behaviour of the Argentina team after the match was widely criticised. Former England striker Wayne Rooney stated that Argentina’s post-match conduct was not surprising, remarking, “It’s not the reaction you want.” He added that the team’s actions were a response to being “outplayed, outfought, outthought.” Fellow pundit Joe Hart described the behaviour as “disgusting,” while Micah Richards singled out Paredes as a key instigator, calling his actions “embarrassing.”
Messi’s final World Cup appearance
The final marked what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s last appearance in a World Cup. The Argentina captain, who was playing on the World Cup stage for the final time, was visibly emotional, with tears streaming down his face as he watched the Argentina fans after the defeat. Despite his individual brilliance throughout the tournament, Messi was left frustrated as Spain dominated the final, securing their victory with Ferran Torres’ goal after extra time.
Messi had been instrumental in leading Argentina to a second successive final, inspiring several comebacks in the knockout stages. He scored eight goals during the tournament, and fans chanted his name even as Spain’s Rodri received the player of the tournament award. Messi subsequently led his teammates to collect their runners-up medals before standing and crying while being serenaded by the Argentina supporters.
By participating in the final, Messi became only the third player to appear in three men’s World Cup finals, a feat previously achieved by Brazil’s Cafu. The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 43 at the next men’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the kick-off in Argentina. Messi waited until Spain had lifted the trophy before quickly departing the pitch, marking what many consider a bitter end to his World Cup journey.
Reactions to the controversy
The post-match altercations drew strong condemnation from commentators. Gary Neville, speaking on ITV, described the scenes as “a disgrace.” He acknowledged the competitiveness of the Argentinians but stated that their conduct in the final games had been shameful. Alan Shearer, on BBC, highlighted Paredes’ actions, noting that he “threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face,” and emphasised that such behaviour has no place in football.
Shearer further commented that while the pain of losing is understood, there is a proper way to lose, suggesting that Argentina has displayed similar reactions too many times in the past. Joe Hart echoed this sentiment, stating that the only player on the pitch who showed class was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every Spanish player. Hart concluded that Argentina had no complaints about the outcome of the match, calling their behaviour “disgusting.”
Micah Richards also expressed his disappointment, calling the actions “embarrassing.” He suggested that Argentina, knowing Spain was a better team with the ball, resorted to disruptive tactics off the ball. Richards stressed that such conduct after a game, especially when a new world champion has been crowned, is unacceptable, particularly from a player like Paredes, who he believes is “better than that.”
The Argentina team’s behaviour overshadowed Spain’s deserved victory, with the European champions securing the World Cup title.
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Source: independent.co.uk
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”