Argentina Blasted For 'Classless' Act: Players Turn Their Backs During Trophy Presentation

Published 20 July 2026 · sports

Argentina Blasted For 'Classless' Act: Players Turn Their Backs During Trophy Presentation Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 15:24 IST Argentina footballers have been

Argentina Blasted For 'Classless' Act: Players Turn Their Backs During Trophy Presentation Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 15:24 IST Argentina footballers have been criticised for their conduct after losing FIFA World Cup 2026 final to Spain. An ugly fight between the players of the two team became a major talking point. (Screengrab) Argentina footballers are being criticised following their defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The former world champions were termed “classless" after players turned away during Spain’s trophy presentation and supporters chanted Lionel Messi’s name while Rodri received the tournament’s Golden Ball award. Spain edged past defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. Ferran Torres struck the winner in the 106th minute, sealing La Roja’s second FIFA World Cup crown while extending their unbeaten streak to a European-record 38 matches. Despite Spain’s historic victory, much of the post-match attention shifted to Argentina’s behaviour during the medal ceremony. After receiving their silver medals, Argentina’s squad did not acknowledge the champions.

Instead, Lionel Messi and his teammates made their way to the opposite side of the pitch as Spain prepared to lift the World Cup trophy, opting not to form a guard of honour. Argentina players with their backs to the Spain trophy presentation pic.twitter.com/NlQH9oNH1U— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) July 19, 2026 Earlier, Spain’s players had applauded the Argentine team as they collected their medals. The atmosphere inside the stadium became even more charged when Spain midfielder Rodri was announced as the recipient of the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player. During the presentation, Argentina fans responded by chanting Messi’s name. Emotions had already spilled over before the medal ceremony began. Moments after the final whistle, Argentina’s frustrations erupted as Leandro Paredes was sent off following an altercation involving Spain defenders Eric Garcia and Gavi. Lo de la @Argentina (@AFA) es la definición de antifútbol y mal perder. No supieron ganar en el campo y han demostrado una falta de dignidad absoluta fuera de él. Dar la espalda y negar el aplauso a la @SEFutbol es una actitud marrullera, tosca e inaceptable para profesionales.

pic.twitter.com/1D7JkSSsWP— Dr House 🇪🇦🇺🇦🗽✝️ (@mcelpmqop) July 20, 2026 The final had been an intense and closely fought contest that remained scoreless after regulation time. Spain controlled much of the game but were repeatedly denied by an outstanding Emiliano Martinez, with the Argentina goalkeeper producing key saves to stop Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Pau Cubarsi. Argentina’s challenge became even steeper in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card for a late tackle on Cubarsi, making him only the sixth player to be sent off in a FIFA World Cup final. Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute as Torres collected Nico Williams’ knockdown before firing into the roof of the net. The goal ended Argentina’s bid to become the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. Although Spain celebrated a landmark World Cup triumph, the scenes that followed the final whistle ensured that Argentina’s conduct during the closing stages of the match and the medal presentation drew almost as much attention as the result itself.