Argentina forward Jose Manuel Lopez defied his team-mates with a gesture of sportsmanship as Spain lifted the World Cup on Sunday night. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game, firing into the roof of the net in extra time to give Spain their second star. They dominated the match and fully deserved their victory, with Argentina failing to register a single shot until the 116th minute.
It came after they were reduced in numbers when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a mindless foul during the closing stages of normal time. After the final whistle, chaos reigned supreme as violence erupted on the MetLife Stadium pitch. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was the architect of the shameful scenes, aiming punches and kicks at Spain players as they sprinted past him.
Once the melee had finally died down, the vast majority of Argentina players turned their backs on Spain as they were presented with the iconic golden trophy.
Images spread like wildfire on social media, with the brazen lack of respect drawing widespread condemnation from across the world.
Lopez, however, defied his Argentina colleagues by turning to face Spain as they celebrated on the podium. Despite being an unused substitute on the day, the 25-year-old was the only losing player to front up and show respect to the winners.
His display of sportsmanship has been hailed by thousands on social media, with Lopez just about the only Argentina player to come away with some form of dignity.
Later on, an emotional Lionel Scaloni defended the behaviour of his players, insisting they had set a “great example for our people and country” while “showing how to lose”.
Speaking in his press conference, the Argentina head coach said: “Spain were the better side, that’s the truth, but I’ll cherish the memory of [my side], of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far.
“We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort. We arrived here facing a realistic situation, but if the players leave everything on the pitch, as they did, it sets a great example for our people and our country.
“We have to pick ourselves up again, there is no other way. I certainly value the runners-up spot because it takes so much to get here and I think it deserves huge recognition.
“Naturally, we would have liked to win, but ultimately, I feel gratitude. That is the only word I have, along with sadness, of course, but when you give everything like that, regardless of whether you play well or poorly, it’s very hard to find fault.
“We are gracious in victory and we must be gracious in defeat. We are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”