Argentina came under intense scrutiny following their FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain, with their behaviour during the post-match medal ceremony drawing widespread criticism from sections of the football community. According to Goal.com, several observers labelled the runners-up “classless” after Lionel Messi and his teammates chose not to remain on the podium during Spain’s trophy presentation. Spain defeated 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 secure La Roja’s second FIFA World Cup title. The victory also extended Spain’s unbeaten run to a European-record 38 matches. The controversy began after Argentina collected their silver medals. Rather than staying to applaud the newly crowned world champions, the players walked to the opposite side of the pitch while Spain prepared to lift the trophy. The gesture attracted attention because Spain had earlier formed a guard of honour and applauded Argentina as they made their way to receive their runners-up medals. The atmosphere remained tense during the individual awards ceremony. As Rodri stepped forward to receive the Golden Ball for being 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 conduct. “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 they were singing Argentina as well. They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final,” Durham said, according to Goal.com. Durham also questioned Argentina’s performances 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. Continuing his criticism, Durham said: “Drawn in the easiest group in World Cup history, made hard work in the knockouts against Cape Verde, needed Egypt to grab defeat from the jaws of victory to get through to the quarters, where Switzerland shot themselves in the foot with a needless red card.” He further claimed: “England in the semis were on top, handed it on a plate to Argentina, who came here to the final and totally embarrassed themselves. Let’s face it, they have had Argentina, a ridiculous list of decisions come their way in this tournament.” Tempers had already flared before the medal ceremony. Shortly after the final whistle, players from both sides became 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 attempted 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 following the altercation. It remains unclear whether any further disciplinary action will be taken, with FIFA not immediately commenting on the incident. The final itself had 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 only the sixth player to be dismissed in a FIFA World Cup final. Spain eventually found the breakthrough in the 106th minute as Nico Williams nodded the ball into the path of Torres, who blasted home the winner to deny Argentina the chance to become the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. As Spain celebrated another historic triumph, much of the post-match discussion centred on Argentina’s actions after the final whistle, with their conduct during both the on-field confrontation and the medal ceremony becoming almost as widely debated as the result itself.
