Argentina were branded ‘classless’ after turning their backs to Spain’s World Cup trophy presentation.
The defending champions were beaten 1-0 by Spain after extra-time in Sunday’s final.
Ferran Torres’ winning goal during the additional period proved the difference between the two sides.
His strike came after Argentina had been reduced to 10-men during stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes.
Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card for a reckless lunge on Pau Cubarsi to leave his side a man light for extra-time.
Argentina received another red card in ugly scenes that followed the final whistle at the MetLife Stadium.
Leandro Paredes was sent off after full-time for throwing punches as he clashed with Spain players on the pitch during their celebrations.
Nahuel Molina could also be seen lashing out as the clashes marred Spain’s crowning moment.
Didn’t end there
After players were dragged apart and La Roja were given the platform to have their moment, Manchester City midfielder Rodri was named Player of the Tournament and presented with the Golden Ball.
Meanwhile, Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsi collected the Young Player award and goalkeeper Unai Simon was handed the Golden Glove after the nation’s record-breaking defensive display across the tournament.
England legend Stuart Pearce was watching the Argentina players as Spain collected their trophies, ultimately ending with a World Cup lift alongside US President Donald Trump.
“When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their back to the trophy lift,” Pearce said.
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“That probably tells you a great deal, doesn’t it?”
And talkSPORT anchor Adrian Durham responded: “Yeah, no class, whatsoever. They’ve been absolutely shocking.
“They’ve been a total disgrace here today. The fans, we think have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, also when Rodri went up to get the best player in the tournament trophy, the fans were singing Messi’s name and they were singing Argentina as well.
“They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final.”
Argentina an ’embarrassment’
Durham was left incensed by the antics of the Argentina players both at full-time and throughout the tournament.
England, of course, experienced their fair share of Argentinian hospitality during their semi-final defeat on Wednesday.
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Reacting on Game Day Live, he labelled Lionel Scaloni’s side an ’embarrassment’ to the World Cup.
Durham exclaimed: “Argentina are a total embarrassment to the game, an embarrassment to the World Cup.
“In fact, they have been an embarrassment all along really, apart from that 20 minutes against England.
“Drawn in the easiest group in World Cup history, made hard work in the knockouts against Cape Verde, needed Egypt to grab defeat from the jaws of victory to get through to the quarters where Switzerland shot themselves in the foot with a needless red card.
“England in the semis were on top, handed it on a plate to Argentina who came here to the final and totally embarrassed themselves.
“Let’s face it, they have had, Argentina, a ridiculous list of decisions come their way in this tournament.
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“Decisions that have led to all sorts of conspiracy theories that you hope aren’t true, but can’t help wondering, can you?
“The lack of red for Messi in the group stage was predictably shocking.
“No punishment for a Falklands banner held up by the players after beating England.
“A terrible refereeing decision even gave Argentina a chance at the end of extra time here in the final.
“Argentina are cheats, they’re impossible to like. The beautiful game of football is the winner at this World Cup final.”
Argentina’s route to the final was not without controversy, with accusations of preferential treatment from officials.
Messi escaped a red card during their opening match against Algeria before further wins over Austria and Jordan saw them top their group.
Contentious VAR decisions later followed against Egypt and Switzerland during the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, a FIFA probe followed their post-match celebrations after beating England in the semi-finals.
Several Argentina players held up a banner referencing the Falkland Islands in front of their supporters.
