Argentina players branded a ‘disgrace’ as they turn their backs on Spain during World Cup trophy lift
Argentina have been accused of showing 'no class' after the team turned their backs on Spain during the World Cup trophy presentation.
The 2026 World Cup ended with Spain defeating rivals Argentina in extra time, thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres in the 109th minute.
While the game itself was pretty dull, tensions flared after the full-time whistle and things turned ugly at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes getting sent off for throwing ‘haymakers’ at the Spanish side and Nahuel Molina also seen lashing out.
Things had calmed down by the time the World Cup medal ceremony got underway and the Argentina side - headed up by a tearful Lionel Messi - went up to collect their silver medals.
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However, when the time came for Spain to collect their gold medals, the Argentina players appeared to move to the other side of the pitch and stood with their backs to the Spanish team in what has been branded an ‘absolutely shocking’ display of disrespect.
The moment was spotted by former England captain Stuart Pearce, who was covering the game for talkSPORT.
“When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their back to the trophy lift,” he commented.
“That probably tells you a great deal, doesn’t it?”
His talkSPORT co-host Adrian Durham then chipped in: “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 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.”
Meanwhile, someone else wrote on X: “Not for a single moment Argentina turned their back to acknowledge Spain as champions, just standing in front of their fans and then taking the way out.”
This isn’t the first time Argentina has been called out during the World Cup.
The squad sparked outrage following their 2-1 defeat over England after players held up a banner that read: ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas,’ meaning 'the Falkland Islands are Argentinian'.
Complaints were quickly made, with politics supposed to be kept off the pitch, and FIFA was called on to investigate.
“As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” a FIFA spokesperson told LADbible.
The global governing football body’s own code of conduct prohibits ‘banners, flags, flyers, apparel and other paraphernalia that are of a political, offensive, and/or discriminatory nature’ inside stadiums.
World Cup winners by year
2026 marks Spain's second victory, joining a long list of past winners...
2022 - Argentina
Perhaps one of the most dramatic finals in World Cup history was France vs Argentina at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in 2022.
Following a tense 3-3 draw after extra time, Argentina were ultimately crowned the champions after beating Didier Deschamps' side 4-2 on penalties.
2018 - France
A stellar performance at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium in 2018 led to France bagging their second World Cup title, triumphing 4-2 over Croatia.
2014 - Germany
An extra-time goal from Germany’s Mario Götze sealed his team's 1-0 victory over Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2014.
2010 - Spain
Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in 2010’s final at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was all thanks to a late extra-time goal from midfielder Andrés Iniesta.
2006 - Italy
Italy won the 2006 World Cup at Olympiastadion Berlin, Germany, after beating France 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw at extra time.
- 2002 - Brazil
- 1998 - France
- 1994 - Brazil
- 1990 - West Germany
- 1986 - Argentina
- 1982 - Italy
- 1978 - Argentina
- 1974 - West Germany
- 1970 - Brazil
- 1966 - England
- 1962 - Brazil
- 1958 - Brazil
- 1954 - West Germany
- 1950 - Uruguay
- 1938 - Italy
- 1934 - Italy
- 1930 - Uruguay
Topics: World Cup
Claire Reid