Adam Crafton, a reporter for The Athletic, sharply criticized Argentina for its behavior in the World Cup final, describing its performance as “ungracious, ill-tempered, and unpleasant,” and noting that the players’ attitude “tarnished the final itself.”

According to Crafton, the image of the Argentines ostentatiously turning their backs as the Spaniards climbed onto the podium to receive their medals was “the culmination of a performance full of tension and disrespect.” As he writes, Argentina “was down to ten players in overtime, caused scenes of tension after the final whistle, and ultimately showed a lack of respect toward the new world champions.”

Crafton emphasizes that Spain won because it “refused to be drawn in” by the provocations, slowed the pace, and “trapped Argentina in a possession carousel.” In contrast, Argentina, as he notes, “was working hard but lacking inspiration,” with Messi being “on the periphery, almost invisible.”

The journalist points out that the referees showed excessive leniency toward the Argentines’ rough tackling, specifically mentioning the hits by McAllister and Tagliafico on Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal. At the same time, it describes Paredes as a “real villain” who, as soon as he entered the match, “pushes, taunts, and protests every whistle.”

The outburst came in the final moments, with Enzo Fernández being sent off for a second yellow card after first “clapping sarcastically at the referee.” After the final whistle, as Crafton writes, “Molina went to hit Rodri, Paredes grabbed García by the throat and threw him to the ground, while Otamendi seemed to be mocking the Spaniards for… crying.”

Crafton also cites the reactions of other big names: Toni Kroos wrote that “soccer won,” while Thomas Hitzlsperger called Paredes, Fernández, and Otamendi “disgusting athletes,” adding that “Messi is a genius, but most of his teammates are thugs.”

Despite the passion, unity, and connection with the fans—factors that, as Crafton acknowledges, led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024—this time “the team fell apart.” The tension turned into self-destruction.

Crafton focuses particularly on the moment of the award ceremony: Spain had “run rings around” their opponents, but when it came time for the coronation, “Argentina isolated itself, gathered at one end of the field, and completely ignored the winners.” When Rodri received the Golden Ball, “the Argentine fans drowned out the moment with chants in support of Messi.”

Crafton concludes that with this behavior, Argentina “made a fool of itself in front of the whole world.” Crafton is just one notable example among dozens of international voices strongly criticizing Argentina for its conduct in the final.

*photo source: AP