Argentina stars hit back amid FIFA investigation over World Cup final antics

Analysis

Matthew Judge | Editor

Argentina players are continuing to fight their corner despite FIFA launching an investigation into their behaviour in Sunday’s World Cup final with Spain.

Lionel Scaloni’s side came up short in their quest to defend their 2022 crown, losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time at the MetLife Stadium.

Argentina have since received global condemnation for their part in the ugly scenes which followed the final whistle in New Jersey.

Nahuel Molina was caught punching Rodri as he celebrated Spain’s victory, while Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia and Gavi by their necks.

BBC Sport reporter Dale Johnson understands Paredes was not sent off for either incident, despite initial speculation suggesting he had.

The brawl came after Argentina star Enzo Fernandez was sent off in normal time after receiving a second yellow card for a poor tackle on Pau Cubarsi.

Argentina trio Nicolas Tagliafico, Alexis Mac Allister and Giuliano Simeone were also criticised for escaping red cards for rough challenges.

FIFA announced on Monday they have appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess what happened after the final whistle.

They are also “assessing match reports” before deciding whether to punish Argentina for displaying a banner supporting their country's claims to the Falkland Islands following the 2-1 semi-final win over England.

However, as the pressure continues to rise on Scaloni’s under-fire squad, several players have hit back over the criticism which has come their way.

Rodrigo De Paul

Argentina were accused of receiving preferential treatment from referees en route to reaching the World Cup final this summer.

Lionel Messi went unpunished for a studs-up challenge on Algeria’s Aissa Mandi in the group phase - a similar tackle to the one which led to United States striker Folarin Balogun being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Egypt also had a spectacular goal ruled out in their narrow 3-2 loss to Argentina in the last 16 after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) penalised Marwan Attia for standing on Lisandro Martinez’s foot in the build up.

However, in a statement shared on social media, Rodrigo De Paul has slammed conspiracy theories suggesting referees favour Argentina.

The midfielder wrote on Instagram: “Today I look at how many people were waiting for us to fall, spending the entire World Cup pushing baseless conspiracy theories just to ease the pain of not being able to experience what every Argentine was living, because our smiles bother them, because the way we are gets under their skin.

“But all of that only reaffirmed that the passion and love we have for our jersey can overcome anything. This will hurt me for a long time, but today more than ever, I am proud to be Argentine.”

Enzo Fernandez

Defending Argentina’s “humility”, Enzo Fernandez also released a statement on social media following the World Cup final.

The midfielder spoke of his “pride” representing his country, but he offered no apology to supporters following his red card in the showpiece.

Fernandez received his first yellow card for angrily remonstrating with the referee, before collecting a second caution for a crazy lunge on Spain’s Cubarsi.

The Chelsea star also angered England supporters for his provocative celebration in their semi-final clash in Atlanta.

Writing on Instagram, Fernandez said: “As time passes, you realise there is something much bigger than a result. For years, this group has represented our country in the best possible way.

“It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up. Being part of this group, which has always stood up, competed to the very end, and defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment, is something I’ll always cherish.”

Lionel Messi

Despite producing a magnificent World Cup campaign for Argentina, Messi also received scorn for his behaviour in Sunday’s final.

The captain was the subject of an intense backlash online after trying to get Spain defender Marc Cucurella sent off.

Messi protested to referee Slavko Vincic following a brief interaction with Cucurella, claiming the Spain man had spoken to him from behind his hand.

Under World Cup rules, players could be sent off for communicating with the opposition while hiding their mouth.

However, in a statement shared on Instagram after the game, Messi made no mention of his or Argentina’s antics during the final.

The 39-year-old did congratulate Spain on their victory, however, unlike De Paul and Fernandez.

Messi wrote: “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things... The matches we turned around by giving it our all - moments that will remain in our memories forever - and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group's hard work and effort, brought us back among the world's elite once again.

“It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.

“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”

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Written by

Matthew Judge | Editor

Matthew Judge is a freelance sports writer from Liverpool, United Kingdom. He has worked for/had words published by Everton Football Club, The Independent, Daily Mirror, Stats Perform, Goal, and Squawka, among others.

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