‘Total disgrace’: Argentina branded ‘classless’ as post-final conduct sparks outrage | Football News
Argentina came under intense scrutiny after their FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain, with their behavior during the post-match medal ceremony drawing widespread criticism from sections of the football community. According to Goal.com, many observers branded the runners-up “classless” afterwards Lionel Messi and his teammates chose not to remain on the podium during the trophy presentation in Spain. Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time), with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to clinch La Roja’s second FIFA World Cup title. The win also extended Spain’s unbeaten run to a European-record 38 games. The controversy started after Argentina collected their silver medals. Instead of sticking around to applaud the newly crowned world champions, the players walked across the pitch as Spain prepared to lift the trophy. The move attracted attention because Spain first formed a guard of honor and applauded Argentina when they arrived to receive their runners-up medals. The atmosphere remained tense during the individual awards ceremony. As Rodri advanced to receive the Golden Ball as he was named the tournament’s best player, sections of Argentina supporters inside the stadium responded by chanting Lionel Messi’s name, a moment that also drew criticism. Speaking on talkSPORT, broadcaster Adrian Durham strongly condemned Argentina’s behaviour. “There’s no class whatsoever. They’re really shocked. They’ve been an absolute disgrace here today. The fans, we think, are great. But even during the lifting of the trophy, when Rodri went up to get the best player of the tournament trophy, the fans chanted Messi’s name, and they also chanted in Argentina. They can’t accept that Argentina lost the World Cup final,” Durham said, according to Goal.com. Durham also questioned Argentina’s performances throughout the tournament. “Argentina are an absolute disgrace to the game, a disgrace to the World Cup. In fact, they were an embarrassment in everything, really, except for 20 minutes against England,” he added. Continuing his criticism, Durham said: “Drawn in the easiest group in the history of the World Cup, trying hard in the knockouts against Cape Verde, Egypt needed to pull defeat from the jaws of victory to get through to the quarters, where Switzerland shot themselves in the foot with an unnecessary red card.” He further admitted: “England in the semis came out on top, handed it on a plate to Argentina, who came here last and completely embarrassed themselves. Let’s face it, they have Argentina, a ridiculous list of decisions coming into this tournament. Tempers flared before the medal ceremony. Shortly after the final whistle, players from both sides were involved in a confrontation. Video footage showed Argentina defender Leandro Paredes appearing to grab Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing substitute Gavi to the ground when he tried to intervene. Players from both teams, along with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, quickly stepped in to calm the situation. Paredes was later shown a red card after the altercation. It remains unclear whether further disciplinary action will be taken, with FIFA not immediately commenting on the incident. The final itself remained goalless throughout normal time despite Spain controlling possession and creating the better chances. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a string of outstanding saves to deny Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Pau Cubarsi. Argentina’s hopes suffered another blow in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cubarsi, becoming the sixth player to be sent off in a FIFA World Cup final. Spain finally found success in the 106th minute as Nico Williams nodded the ball into the path of Torres, who fired home the winner to deny Argentina the chance to become the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. While Spain celebrated another historic win, much of the post-match discussion centered on Argentina’s actions after the final whistle, with their conduct during the confrontation on the field and the medal ceremony almost as much debated as the result itself.
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