Argentina’s post-final conduct draws criticism after World Cup defeat to Spain

By Sanjay Menon — 20 July 2026 — 4 min read

Post-Match Confrontation and Red Card

Following their FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain, Argentina‘s conduct drew significant criticism. Immediately after the final whistle in New Jersey, chaotic scenes unfolded on the pitch. Video footage showed Argentina defender Leandro Paredes appearing to grab Spain‘s Eric Garcia by the throat. Paredes then pushed Gavi to the ground when the substitute attempted to intervene.

Another incident involved Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, who reportedly swung a punch towards Spain captain Rodri. Molina then confronted Rodri, bumping him in the chest, which prompted Eric Garcia to step in. Paredes, who had been booked earlier in the match, then moved towards Garcia, jabbing him in the throat.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and other coaching staff members intervened to separate the players. Despite these efforts, Paredes subsequently turned his attention to Gavi, who was already involved in a scuffle with Argentina‘s Thiago Almada. Paredes spun Gavi to the ground and appeared to push into his face while holding him by his bib. Several Spanish teammates, including Borja Iglesias, then stepped in to shield Gavi. Paredes was later shown a red card following the altercation.

Video footage also suggested that Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala struck Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. FIFA may investigate these post-match scenes, with potential additional disciplinary action for Argentina. The FIFA Disciplinary Code stipulates that players sent off for violent conduct will be suspended for at least three matches.

Controversial Medal Ceremony Behaviour

The controversy continued during the post-match medal ceremony. After collecting their silver medals, Lionel Messi and his teammates did not remain on the podium to applaud Spain‘s trophy presentation. Instead, they walked to the opposite side of the pitch while Spain prepared to lift the trophy. This action garnered widespread criticism, particularly as Spain had formed a guard of honour and applauded Argentina when they received their runners-up medals.

The atmosphere remained tense during the individual awards ceremony. When Rodri stepped forward to receive the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player, sections of Argentina supporters in the stadium chanted Lionel Messi‘s name. This moment also drew criticism from observers.

Broadcaster Adrian Durham, speaking on talkSPORT, strongly condemned Argentina‘s conduct, labelling it as “classless” and a “total disgrace.” He suggested that the fans’ chanting during Rodri‘s award presentation indicated an inability to accept Argentina‘s defeat in the final. Durham also questioned Argentina‘s overall tournament performances, describing them as an “embarrassment to the game” and the World Cup.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart described Argentina‘s behaviour as “disgusting,” noting that Messi was the only player who showed class by shaking hands with the Spanish players. Gary Neville on ITV also called the behaviour a “disgrace,” while Alan Shearer on BBC stated there was “no place or space for that.” Shearer added that while the pain of losing is understandable, there is a way to lose gracefully.

Match Details and Messi’s Future

The final match itself remained goalless throughout normal time. Spain controlled possession and created more chances, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made several saves against shots from Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and Pau Cubarsi. Argentina‘s hopes were further diminished in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cubarsi, becoming only the sixth player to be sent off in a FIFA World Cup final.

Spain secured the victory in the 106th minute when Nico Williams set up Ferran Torres, who scored the decisive goal. This secured La Roja‘s second FIFA World Cup title and extended their unbeaten run to a European-record 38 matches. The win prevented Argentina from becoming the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.

Lionel Messi, who was playing in his final World Cup, was visibly emotional after the defeat. He scored eight goals during the tournament. Messi became only the third player to appear in three men’s World Cup finals. After watching Spain lift the trophy, Messi quickly left the pitch. Additionally, Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero, who was substituted in the 70th minute, reportedly did not shake hands with Donald Trump during the medal presentation, though he shook hands with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com