💔 As Spain lifted the World Cup, Lionel Messi offered a quiet display of respect — but several of his teammates appeared unable to do the same.
The Argentina players turned their backs to Spain as they received their medals and lifted the trophy.
The Argentina players turned their backs to Spain as they received their medals and lifted the trophy.
Argentina players refused to watch Spain lift the trophy (Image: AFP)
Argentina were labelled “classless” after their players seemingly turned their backs while Spain lifted the World Cup trophy following a fractious final that descended into carnage. The Argentine squad lost their composure when the final whistle sounded as violence broke out, leaving fans in the stadium and armchair viewers horrified.
Astonishingly, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni insisted his players conducted themselves graciously in defeat after the match. The 2022 champions’ title defence concluded with a 1-0 defeat to Spain, yet the aftermath was overshadowed by unsavoury scenes both directly after the final whistle and throughout the trophy ceremony. Former England defender Stuart Pearce was among those left astounded as Argentina’s players stood with their backs towards the podium while Spain celebrated alongside US President Donald Trump.
