Post-match altercations mar World Cup final
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain concluded with chaotic scenes following Spain’s victory. As the final whistle blew, signalling Spain’s triumph, several altercations erupted on the pitch at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
One of the initial confrontations involved Argentina defender Nahuel Molina and Spain captain Rodri. Molina was seen aggressively throwing his arm out at Rodri near the halfway line. Rodri then turned to confront Molina, leading to the two players squaring up.
The situation escalated when Spain‘s Eric Garcia intervened, attempting to prevent the confrontation from intensifying. However, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes then sprinted towards Garcia, attacking him and causing him to fall. Despite attempts by a linesman to separate them, Paredes continued to confront Garcia, grabbing him by the throat.
Argentina‘s coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, surrounded Garcia, seemingly to protect him from his own teammate. Paredes, who had been booked earlier in the match, then turned his attention to Spain‘s 21-year-old midfielder Gavi.
Gavi found himself pushed and pulled by Paredes and Argentina substitute Thiago Almada, who also ripped Gavi’s training bib. Gavi fell to the ground, and as he attempted to get up, Paredes reportedly threw him down again. Video footage also appeared to show Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Disciplinary proceedings expected
Following the tumultuous events, Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle. Fifa is set to investigate the post-match scenes to determine whether to take further action against Argentina. Disciplinary proceedings could also follow Argentina‘s semi-final victory over England, where they were criticised for aggressive behaviour.
Fifa‘s Disciplinary Code stipulates that players sent off for violent conduct will face a suspension of at least three matches. Pundits have widely condemned Argentina‘s behaviour, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart describing it as “disgusting.”
Gary Neville commented on the competitiveness of the Argentines but labelled their recent conduct a “disgrace.” Alan Shearer added that there is no place for such actions, despite understanding the emotions involved in a final. He noted that such reactions have been seen from Argentina too many times.
Spain‘s victory, their second World Cup title in the country’s history, was overshadowed by the post-match incidents. Lee Dixon accused Argentina of “anti-football,” while Ally McCoist stated that Spain was the only team actively trying to win the game.
Messi’s final World Cup appearance
The final also marked what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi‘s last appearance in a World Cup. The 39-year-old captain of Argentina was visibly emotional after the 1-0 defeat to Spain, with tears rolling down his face as he watched the Argentina fans.
Messi, who scored eight goals during the tournament, led his teammates to collect their runners-up medals. He stood and cried as fans serenaded him. The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 43 at the next men’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with a kick-off in Argentina.
By participating in the final, Messi became only the third player to appear in three men’s World Cup finals, following Brazil‘s Cafu. He waited until Spain lifted the trophy before quickly departing the pitch.
In another notable moment during the medal ceremony, Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero reportedly snubbed a handshake from Donald Trump, the US president, who was presenting the medals. Romero, who started the match and was substituted in the 70th minute, shook hands with Fifa president Gianni Infantino and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, but not with Trump.
Spain were crowned champions following a 1-0 victory over Argentina, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal after extra time.
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Source: theguardian.com
