Argentina players watch on after losing to Spain in the World Cup final (Image: Getty Images)
Numerous Argentina players have ignited fresh criticism overnight after failing to mention the contentious post-match violent scenes in their World Cup statements. After Ferran Torres’ goal sealed a 1-0 win in extra time in the final, several heated brawls broke out at full-time, with Argentinians facing a FIFA investigation and calls to ban the stars involved.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to kick Eric Garcia to the ground and then shoved Gavi, earning him a red card after the final whistle. But while the squad have since written in detail about their journey in North America, not a single member addressed the lingering controversy.
Further chaos ensued as Nahuel Molina appeared to take a swipe at Rodri while the Spain star was celebrating, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala allegedly threw a punch at Dani Olmo before Garcia intervened to separate them.
As a result, FIFA has launched a formal investigation into the conduct of Argentina’s players and staff following the defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, with potential bans and fines now looming.
Less than 24 hours after their loss in New Jersey, several Argentine players took to social media to address the nation’s supporters. Yet remarkably, not one appeared to mention the explosive scenes that unfolded after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium.
Enzo Fernandez, who received a red card before the final whistle, posted: “As time passes, you realize 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.
“I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for your affection, for your unconditional support, and for making us feel at home no matter where we are in the world.
“Wearing my country’s shirt is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give everything I have every time I’m called upon to defend it.”
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Meanwhile, Inter Miami star Rodrigo De Paul seized the moment to hit back at suggestions Argentina received favourable treatment from referees and FIFA during the competition.
He posted on Instagram, translated from Spanish: “The deepest pain comes from not being able to bring the World Cup trophy back to our country once again, because if anyone deserved to experience that feeling again, it was you.
“But as the hours pass, I’m realising that the bond you share with this team goes far beyond the trophy itself-and that is what I’m holding onto to help me get through this moment.
“Today, I look at how many people were waiting for this fall, spreading baseless conspiracy theories throughout the World Cup just to soothe their own pain at not being able to experience what we Argentines were living through-because our smiles bother them, because our ways get under their skin… But all that did was reaffirm that the passion and love for our jersey can overcome anything.
“It will hurt for a long time, but today, more than ever, I am proud to be ARGENTINE.”
Lionel Messi, who netted eight goals during the World Cup, posted on Instagram: “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.”
Tottenham star Cristian Romero also penned a heartfelt message on Instagram, which read: “And this time, it wasn’t meant to be. And believe me, it hurts. It hurts deeply, because no one wanted to keep writing this beautiful story more than we did.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was involved in altercations after the match (Image: Getty Images)
“We dreamed of bringing the trophy home again, but it didn’t happen. But if there is one thing we will never lack, it is total commitment.
“We gave it our all. We finished second, but we never stopped representing Argentina with the pride and dedication this jersey deserves.
“I am so proud and fortunate to be part of this family.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t give you the joy we wanted so badly to share. We played for you-for every Argentine cheering us on from every corner of the globe. We felt that love every single day.
“Today, we have to pick ourselves up. Start over. Work harder, believe more, and prepare to get this jersey back to the very top-right where we’ve placed it these past few years.
“Because finals aren’t handed to you; you earn them by getting there. And this group-and whoever comes next-will keep fighting, united, with the same hope and passion as always.
“Thank you for being there. Thank you for believing. We will rise again. Because that’s what Argentina is all about. Always together.”
Former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi, who was also caught up in a number of heated exchanges with Rodri after the final whistle, was another member of the squad to admit the defeat had cut him deeply.
He said: “It wasn’t the ending we dreamed of. And the truth is, it hurts deeply.
“Because behind these 50 days lay sacrifices, hugs, tears, hope, and a group that gave absolutely everything for this jersey.
“But if there is one thing I will carry with me forever, it is the pride of having shared this journey with a group of extraordinary people-people who never stopped believing, who fought until the very last second, and who defended these colours with their hearts.
“Thank you to my teammates for every battle. And for never giving up.
“To my family… thank you for always being my rock. Through every joy and every setback. You are my safe haven when football brings me its greatest thrills and its deepest sorrows.
“And thank you to the people of Argentina. Thank you for believing, for standing by us, and for making us feel your love in every corner of the globe.
“Today, we return with broken hearts, but with the peace of mind that comes from having given our all. Because finals are won or lost, but there are jerseys you defend for a lifetime.
“And this one-we defended it until our very last breath. Argentina, always.”
Lautaro Martinez, who netted the goal that ended England’s World Cup campaign in the semi-final, also wrote: “We gave it our all; for the second World Cup in a row, we reached the final, but this time it just wasn’t meant to be.
“I am so proud to be Argentine. I would have liked to try and help the team out on the pitch yesterday, but oh well.
“Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout this World Cup-travelling kilometre after kilometre to be close to us-and to everyone who cheered us on from every corner of our country.”
Lyon defender Nicolas Tagliafico also took to social media to share his thoughts, writing: “It hurts a lot, I won’t deny it.
“But having reached another final and giving everything on the court can’t be erased by anything. Proud to be part of this group that gave it all.
“Thanks to all the Argentinians for accompanying us every step of this World Cup. You made us feel your support from the first to the last day. Let’s go Argentina, always.”
Notably, however, none of the Argentine players have issued any public apology for their conduct following the final whistle, with Paredes’ mother even coming to their defence.
Speaking at Ezeiza airport in Buenos Aires, she said: “We never disrespect anyone. Respect always, I think that’s everything that motivates us and gets us to where we really want to go. I know what the Argentine National Team means to my son.”