Lionel Messi’s appeals were completely ignored by his Argentina team-mates as the captain made a passionate speech before the World Cup final. The match, which has since been marred by violent scenes after the final whistle, saw Spain just about get over the line against their stubborn opponents.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game in extra-time, after Enzo Fernandez has been sent off shortly before the 90th minute. Argentina opted very negative tactics and emerged with their reputation harmed after Leandro Paredes and other players were caught striking and pushing their Spanish counterparts.
Lionel Scaloni’s side became the first finalists to complete 90 minutes without registering a shot, and subsequently lost in extra time before unsavoury scenes erupted after the final whistle.
Paredes threw punches and hurled Gavi to the ground in an absurd post-match brawl. Argentina lost their composure throughout the 120 minutes, with Fernandez’s reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, while already on a booking, significantly handing the advantage to Spain.
While Messi became embroiled in his own regrettable controversy, it appears Argentina failed to listen to their captain and talisman.
In pre-match footage from Argentine broadcaster RLC Noticias, Messi could be observed imploring – or perhaps pleading with – his colleagues to maintain their composure as they proceeded down the tunnel.
In the footage, Messi says: “Let’s go, boys, [let’s keep] calm people, calm. The main thing is for us to remain calm, boys, that we remain calm…
“Let’s just concentrate on playing, nothing else – calm, OK? Forget everything else. Let’s just play, let’s just concentrate on playing. Let’s go.”
Fernandez was dismissed for two bookable offences; the first yellow card came for dissent directed at Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, and he was given his marching orders after catching Cubarsi with a challenge that sent the defender somersaulting through the air.
Then, after the final whistle and confirmation of Spain’s victory, a number of Argentina players and staff became embroiled in confrontations with opposition players who had begun celebrating.
Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Paredes, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were all caught up in the melee. Paredes grabbed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat, and when Gavi attempted to step in, he was shoved to the ground by Almada, before Paredes pushed Gavi down by thrusting his hand into the Spaniard’s face.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has appointed a prosecutor to examine the incidents, and any player or coach implicated could face a ban, while the Argentine Football Association may also be handed a fine. This was clearly far from what Messi had envisaged before kick-off.