Unpleasant scenes unfolded at full time during the World Cup final. (Image: Getty)
FIFA has announced that Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side have been removed from the top of the official world rankings after losing to Spain in the World Cup final. Disappointing performances and ugly moments at full-time put the team in a tough spot, but their first punishment was to lose their spot at the top of the governing body’s rankings.
New world champions Spain took their place and inflicted further damage on Argentina. The victory at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium ensured they moved into first place with 1,995.88 points, gaining 30.27 ranking points over Argentina thanks to Ferran Torres’ overtime winner.
Argentina fell to second place with 1,970.37, with France, England and Brazil rounding out the top five.
Morocco, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico rounded out the top 10.
The ranking represents the latest blow for Argentina after a turbulent end to its World Cup journey.
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The final ended with 10 men after Enzo Fernandes received a red card, Argentina’s only shot on target against Spain, but tensions rose after the final whistle.
Leandro Paredes appeared to shove Eric Garcia in the throat before grappling Gabi to the turf, while Nahuel Molina appeared to lash out at Spain captain Rodri as players and staff got into a huge scuffle.
FIFA has since launched a formal disciplinary investigation and appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incident, which could result in penalties for both players and the Argentine Football Association.
Spanish midfielder Gabi asked FIFA not to suspend Argentine players for the tournament as a matter of good sportsmanship, despite being one of the players involved in the post-match chaos.
Gabi, who was one of the Spanish players involved in the chaotic scene, believes any penalty will not amount to a suspension.
Leandro Paredes was involved in the post-match scene after the World Cup final (Image: Getty Images)
“To be honest, I don’t think they should be suspended,” he said.
“I understand that this incident is not a good example for children, but football also involves elements of friction and violence. For me, it was normal to be sent off during a match, but at the end of the day, I think these things are part of football.”
His comments came as a FIFA disciplinary investigation continues, with several Argentina players and backroom staff facing possible sanctions for their involvement in the post-match clash.
The international governing body is also investigating Argentina’s incident following their semi-final victory over England. Many players held up banners reading “Argentina, son of Las Malvinas” (“The Falkland Islands are Argentina”), which is believed to be a violation of FIFA rules banning political messages at tournaments.
Despite a bitter end to their title defense and controversy engulfing the team, Argentina received a warm welcome upon their return.
Thousands of fans gathered in Buenos Aires as open-top buses transported the team arriving from the United States through the city’s streets. A military band welcomed the team at the airport, and the team walked down a red carpet to a waiting bus.
However, Messi’s absence was noticeable.
The 39-year-old captain, who was in tears after the final defeat, did not join the rest of the team in Buenos Aires and flew separately to his hometown of Rosario. The Inter Miami star is expected to make the most of the three-week rest period given to World Cup players before returning to club action in MLS.
Rodrigo de Paul, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez and Fernandes were also among the players who did not return with the rest of the squad, with Scaloni and veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi being the first to disembark from the team flight.
