Overview
- Argentina, which lost the World Cup final to Spain on July 19, was photographed with players turned away during Spain’s trophy ceremony and that image went viral.
- Lisandro Martínez on July 27 rejected claims of a deliberate snub, saying the team remained to sing for and respect their travelling supporters and that they greeted Spanish players afterwards.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni has publicly defended the squad’s conduct since the final, echoing Martínez’s claim that there was no intent to show disrespect.
- Televised scuffles between players and staff after the match intensified scrutiny and prompted FIFA’s disciplinary and ethics unit to open a review that has not yet resulted in public sanctions.
- Critics who called Argentina’s tournament play aggressive pointed to fouls and yellow cards, and players say an online ‘Anti‑Argentina’ campaign has widened the debate from sport to cultural attacks, risking longer‑term reputational damage.