After World Cup final: Argentina players' bitter reaction sparks scuffle
Following Spain's World Cup final victory, several Argentina players showed unsportsmanlike conduct, leading to a confrontation on the pitch.
At the stadium in New Jersey, after the final whistle, Spain's footballers erupted in joy over their World Cup triumph. While some Argentina players congratulated them, others displayed a much more bitter reaction.
Defender Nahuel Molina made a swinging motion with his arm towards Spain midfielder Rodri as he ran past. Rodri and a few other Spanish players confronted Molina, leading to heated exchanges and pushing. Rodri quickly withdrew, but others continued.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was heavily involved. He grabbed Eric Garcia by the neck, and when others tried to separate them, Paredes threw Gavi to the ground. Paredes had already received a yellow card during the match and repeatedly played on the edge of a second booking and sending off.
While Lionel Messi, though devastated, shook hands with the winners, the actions of other Argentina players drew widespread criticism. Former England striker Wayne Rooney, whose team lost to Argentina in the semifinals, said on live TV: "Does it surprise you? Me, not at all. We've seen this from Argentina before. Something similar after England beat them. It's just sad. If you lose a football match, do it with dignity and just walk off the pitch. It was very ugly from them."
