Argentina's players turned their backs on Spain as they lifted the World Cup trophy after a tense final on Sunday. Spain secured a 1-0 victory with Ferran Torres scoring the winner in extra time. The match ended in chaos as Argentina defender Nahuel Molina punched Spain captain Rodri in the chest during celebrations, and midfielder Leandro Paredes was sent off for grabbing Gavi by the throat.
Medal ceremony controversy
During the medal ceremony, Spain's players gave Argentina a guard of honour as they collected silver medals, led by a tearful Lionel Messi. However, when Spain received their gold medals and prepared to lift the trophy, Argentina's players moved to the opposite side of the pitch, facing their own supporters with their backs to the ceremony.
Former England captain Stuart Pearce commented on talkSPORT: 'When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their back to the trophy lift. That probably tells you a great deal, doesn't it?'
Pundits condemn Argentina's behaviour
talkSPORT host Adrian Durham added: 'Yeah, no class, whatsoever. They've been absolutely shocking. They've been a total disgrace here today. The fans, we think have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, also when Rodri went up to get the best player in the tournament trophy, the fans were singing Messi's name and they were singing Argentina as well. They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final.'
Durham continued: 'Argentina are a total embarrassment to the game, an embarrassment to the World Cup. In fact, they have been an embarrassment all along really, apart from that 20 minutes against England. Drawn in the easiest group in World Cup history, made hard work in the knockouts against Cape Verde, needed Egypt to grab defeat from the jaws of victory to get through to the quarters where Switzerland shot themselves in the foot with a needless red card. England in the semis were on top, handed it on a plate to Argentina who came here to the final and totally embarrassed themselves.'
Post-match confrontations
After the final whistle, Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi confronted Rodri, accusing him of 'crying' to match officials. 'You were crying all week,' Otamendi told Rodri. 'You and Laporte, both of you. That's not right, you were crying with the referees, my friend.'
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville criticised Paredes: 'He's a disgrace, him. Fighting for their lives throughout the tournament, even today when they were being outplayed by a great Spain side. But he's been a disgrace the last couple of games. Why ref allowed him to do it I don't know.'
Trump presents trophy
United States President Donald Trump handed the World Cup trophy to Rodri during the ceremony. In an awkward moment, Trump appeared unsure where to stand as Rodri delayed lifting the trophy until Trump moved to the edge of the podium next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
