Argentina react to World Cup final defeat and Messi questions
Argentina’s World Cup Final Performance and Aftermath
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez stated that the team represented their nation in the “best possible way” during the recent World Cup, despite a loss to Spain in the final. The match, held in New Jersey, saw Spain secure a 1-0 victory after extra time. Fernandez was sent off late in normal time after receiving two yellow cards. His first booking was for dissent towards Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, and he was later dismissed for a challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Following the match, members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players during their celebrations. Fifa’s disciplinary committee has initiated an investigation into these incidents, appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the situation. Any players or coaches involved could face suspensions, and the Argentine Football Association may also incur a fine.
Players such as Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, appeared to be involved in the altercations. Paredes was seen pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia, while Almada forced Spain’s Gavi to the ground. Ayala also appeared to hold Garcia and strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Team Reactions and Speculation
In a social media statement, Fernandez did not address his red card but emphasised the team’s commitment. He wrote, “As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result. For years, this group has represented the team in the best possible way. It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.” He added that it had been a privilege to be part of a group that consistently competed at the highest level and defended their colours with pride, humility, and commitment.
The final match also brought questions regarding events before kick-off. There has been speculation on social media about discussions in the Argentina dressing room, including whether Lionel Messi indicated that the final would be his last international match. Footage from Argentine television company RLC Noticias showed Messi urging his teammates to remain calm before the game, telling them to “forget about everything else” and “just concentrate on playing.”
Former England internationals criticised the actions of the Argentina players on the pitch. Former England captain Alan Shearer stated that there was no place for such behaviour, while former England goalkeeper Joe Hart described it as “disgusting behaviour.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni attempted to de-escalate the situation in his post-match interview. He remarked, “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
Looking Ahead for Argentina
Despite the defeat, thousands of Argentina fans greeted the team with an open-top bus parade through the streets of Buenos Aires. Scaloni and 16 of his 26 players returned to the country, where they were welcomed at Ezeiza International Airport with a red carpet and a military band. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made 11 saves during the final, was among the players who returned.
However, Lionel Messi was not among those who made the trip back to Argentina, instead returning to Miami, where he plays club football for Inter Miami. Several media outlets in Argentina have suggested that the final could mark the end of Scaloni’s tenure and the conclusion of an era, with Messi, who was visibly emotional after the match, unlikely to participate in another World Cup.
Messi expressed his feelings on social media, writing, “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things.” Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez stated he would consider his international future following the final. The goalkeeper, who won the World Cup four years ago, mentioned on Instagram that he would reflect on many things and decide if it was time to step aside.
Argentina had a strong run in the tournament, winning their first seven matches in North America. Their victories included games against Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England before their loss to Spain. In the semi-final against England, Argentina came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory with goals from Fernandez and a Lautaro Martinez header.
The team also caused controversy earlier in the tournament by displaying a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” after their semi-final win against England.
Enzo Fernandez was part of the Argentina team that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Source: bbc.com
