Sore Losers? Argentina’s Trophy-Snub Sparks World Cup Storm: ‘Such Embarrassing Behaviour’

Published 20 July 2026 · sports

Sore Losers? Argentina’s Trophy-Snub Sparks World Cup Storm: ‘Such Embarrassing Behaviour’ Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 15:37 IST Argentina faced heavy criticism for

Sore Losers? Argentina’s Trophy-Snub Sparks World Cup Storm: ‘Such Embarrassing Behaviour’ Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 15:37 IST Argentina faced heavy criticism for "classless" conduct after losing the FIFA World Cup 2026 final to Spain, failing to applaud champions. Argentina criticised for 'classless' conduct during trophy presentation ceremony Argentina faced heavy criticism for their conduct after losing the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with sections of the football fraternity branding the runners-up “classless" following their actions during Spain’s trophy celebrations, as reported by Goal.com. Spain edged past defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time), with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute. The victory secured La Roja’s second FIFA World Cup title and extended their unbeaten run to a European-record 38 matches. However, the post-match scenes quickly became a major talking point. After collecting their silver medals, Argentina’s players chose not to stay on the podium to applaud the newly crowned champions. Instead, Lionel Messi and his teammates walked to the far side of the pitch as Spain prepared to lift the trophy, declining to form a guard of honour—despite Spain applauding the Argentine squad during their medal presentation. Tensions further escalated when Spain midfielder Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

During the presentation, sections of Argentina supporters inside the stadium chanted Messi’s name, drawing criticism from observers. The incidents drew sharp criticism from broadcaster Adrian Durham on talkSPORT, according to Goal.com. “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, 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 said. Durham also questioned Argentina’s overall campaign, suggesting the team had benefitted from favourable moments throughout the tournament. “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," he added. “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," said Durham, as quoted by Goal.com. “England in the semis were on top, handed it on a plate to Argentina, who came here to the final and totally embarrassed themselves.