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What is the story?
Argentina’s players sparked anger and harsh criticism in Sunday’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final after they turned their backs on the podium during the trophy ceremony for the Spanish champions, and all of them were absent from media appearances in behavior described as a “lack of victory and morale”.
All of Argentina’s players turned their backs to the podium to face their fans during the coronation ceremony, while decorum and respect required the losers to look at the champion and applaud him, especially since the Spaniards had organized a walk of honor for them moments earlier. After the final whistle, the players also quietly left the field without making any statements to the press.
After the final whistle, the pitch witnessed unfortunate scenes, including Leandro Paredes openly attacking Gavi and Erik Garcia, while Nahuel Molina punched Rodri in the chest at the final whistle, while Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala slapped Dani Olmo and finally assaulted Acusi Olmo before finally attacking Nicolas. “Cryed” all week with Aymeric Laporte.
Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo commented on the Argentinian’s behavior, saying: “After all, it doesn’t matter much to us. I think the values we want to instill in others are no less important. We are role models for many generations and for many children, and I think they should be role models too.”
After hours of waiting for comments, no Albiceleste players appeared in front of the press after the game, including Lionel Messi, who was widely expected to follow his team-mates’ lead in avoiding the media, especially regarding his future with the national team.
Only coach Lionel Scalloni spoke at the press conference, which had to be cut short due to his emotional and tearful feelings. He commented on the meeting saying: “This was a dream for everyone. We tried until the last minute. It is very sad. I’m really sorry,” before abruptly leaving the stage.
Scalloni, who won the 2022 World Cup and is under contract until next December, revealed his doubts about his future with Argentina despite media reports that he had reached a verbal agreement with the federation to extend his contract until after the 2030 World Cup.
“I already have an idea of what I want to do. I already have an idea of what I want to do. I will honor my contract and then we will see. You have to think about it, because I don’t know if it is possible to achieve such a big thing,” referring to the difficulty of repeating the achievements of the past years with “Tango”.
Notably, this is not the first time Argentina’s players have courted controversy over their behaviour, as their celebrations following their 2022 World Cup win over France were widely criticized for “vulgar and offensive celebrations”, confirming a continuation of the national team’s pattern of unsportsmanlike behavior in recent years.
