Leandro Paredes clashes with Gabi after playing full-time (Image: Getty)
It’s disgusting and shameful. Only two words were used to describe Argentina’s actions after losing to Spain in the World Cup final. You can use it a lot more! Even before the massive brawls they caused full-time, there was precious little sympathy for South Americans around the world. Right now, there’s nothing in particular in the UK. It was a miserable loss in the final, where they repeatedly tried to kick Spain and put their opponents in trouble, but failed to get a single shot on target in 120 minutes. Even Lionel Messi.
And their actions at the end only made the situation worse. It was really embarrassing. To tell you the truth, it would probably be wrong to say that it ruined the final, because it was such an unforgettable match. The full-time scene is memorable, as is the fact that the defender of morality was crowned as a real champion. Alan Shearer, who is no longer a full-time player, told the BBC about Spain: “This is a result of the way they play in football.” He’s not wrong. Emiliano Martinez had to make 11 saves, the most by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final, compared to Unai Simon’s none.
You could even say that pantomime villains Argentina got what they deserved, considering pantomimes rarely end in punch-ups. It’s because of their football and their dirty antics. It was a result that everyone except the Argentinians wanted to see.
And FIFA needs to act now. First up is Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, who deserve the heaviest punishment for their roles in the post-game brawl. Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and Molina peppered Rodri with punches as he ran away. It was the definition of an act of violence. These two should be mentioned as examples.
Don’t forget that FIFA will also penalize Argentina for breaking its strict rules on political messages to England by flying a flag about the Falkland Islands. They broke the rules and now they have to pay the price. It’s really that simple.
It’s a shame that a player like Messi, who for many is the greatest player of all time, succumbs on the international stage like this. Joe Hart said on the BBC: “There was one man on the pitch who had class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with all the Spanish players.”
Amid all the nonsense elsewhere, it was certainly uplifting. That said, Messi also indulged in Argentina’s tactics earlier in the evening, nearly sending off Marc Cucurella after the Spain defender covered part of his mouth for half a second while talking.
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page
There were some unpleasant scenes on the pitch after full-time. (Image: Getty)
Leandro Paredes faces harsh punishment from FIFA (Image: Getty)
“Yeah, I didn’t enjoy watching Messi play at all,” Hart said. “He understands how on top Spain are with this last gabby, even if Lionel Messi goes back to that form,” while Wayne Rooney added, “It was sad to see Lionel Messi do something like that.”
Messi is not dissatisfied with the result, and neither are his Argentina teammates. They also cannot complain about the punishment they will inevitably have to undergo.
FIFA needs to use South Americans as an example to make it clear that such behavior is prohibited. There should be long-term bans and huge fines.
Spain national team defender Aymeric Laporte commented before the match that Argentina is a team that leaves behind many small messages in response to challenges. In the end, the message conveyed by Molina and Paredes’ actions was one of childish bitterness.
They made a mockery of themselves and their team. The 2022 world champions suddenly look like a competitive bunch. They can give it, but they can’t take it back. Especially considering how they reacted to knocking out the likes of England, egging on the likes of Jude Bellingham and parading around with unnecessary Falklands flags.
That’s why the world is so happy with Spain. They didn’t let the bullies win.
