The euphoria of the Spanish players during the World Cup trophy presentation was marred by an ugly gesture from the Argentine team, who decided not to watch or applaud their rival, setting a bad example of fair play. Instead, the Albiceleste chose to turn their backs on the champions as they celebrated on the podium with the trophy, looking downcast due to the match result.
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Similarly, Lionel Scaloni’s players also did not form the traditional champions’ guard of honor for the Spanish team, while the champions did bid farewell to the Argentine team with applause, in a guard of honor led by Messi and especially symbolic in case the Rosario native might have played his last World Cup match.
The unsportsmanlike conduct of the Argentine players continued throughout much of Spain’s celebration, with notable protagonists such as the sent-off Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes. After a tense moment between Atlético’s Nahuel Molina and former Atlético player Rodri Hernández, both players had a violent confrontation with FC Barcelona players Eric García and Gavi, whom they aggressively pushed and grabbed.
Caught by the broadcast cameras, it can be seen how Paredes grabs Eric by the neck, which starts a brawl among the players and ends with Gavi on the ground while trying to separate those involved. On the Argentine side, it was the coach himself who had to intervene to separate and restrain his players.
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