Argentina’s Lopez praised for refusing to take part in shameful act

Argentina’s squad have been branded the sorest of sore losers following their World Cup final defeat to Spain – but one player showed his class to defy his team-mates’ shameful behaviour after full-time.

Ferran Torres’ emphatic extra-time strike proved the difference in Sunday’s bad-tempered finale, which Argentina finished with only ten men on the field after Enzo Fernandez’s sending off for a second bookable offence.

But the drama did not let up once referee Slavko Vincic had blown his whistle at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to signal the end of an unforgettable tournament.

Violent clashes between the two sets of players threatened to overshadow Spain’s jubilant celebrations, as Leandro Paredes appeared to become the second Argentinian to be given his marching orders.

According to the BBC, Paredes’ red was subsequently removed from the record and no further disciplinary action by FIFA as a consequence of the midfielder’s ugly altercation with Gavi and Eric Garcia.

The skullduggery and shoddy behaviour continued from Argentina, though, as seemingly the entire squad were seen with their backs turned while Rodri held the coveted trophy loft surrounded by his team-mates on the podium.

The shameful pictures spread like wildfire across social media, drawing a fierce backlash across the footballing world, with Argentina’s players opting to face their own supporters rather than the winning team.

Everyone apart from Jose Manuel Lopez that is, who, three days on from the final, is being showered with praise from all corners for demonstrating to his team-mates the right way to lose.

Footage which has gone viral clearly shows Lopez – an unused substitute on the day – being a good sport and courteously fronting up to Spain’s celebrations with his hands placed behind his back.

The Palmeiras striker is stood just inches apart from Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, who is staring in the complete opposite direction as United States President Donald Trump greets Rodri and Co.

‘Lopez is a true gentleman,’ one commentator said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A second fan wrote: ‘Lopez kept his gaze on the new champions while the rest of the Argentine national team looked toward the stands.

‘His gesture of respect in raising Spain’s Cup says a lot about him. You can win or lose but you should never fail to show respect.’

‘All over the world they (we) are recognising that gesture of honour and sportsmanship. Great job, Flaco,’ said a third.

‘The one Argentinian player who showed not just integrity, but a willingness to stand against his own team,’ wrote another.

‘The only Argentinian player who did not turn his back and who clapped for the Spanish winners.

‘I hope a European team picks him up. Class and integrity.’

An emotional Lionel Scaloni defended his squad in the face of widespread criticism, insisting his players had set a ‘great example for our people and country’ while ‘showing how to lose’.

‘Spain were the better side – that’s the truth – but I’ll cherish the memory of [my side], of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far. We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort.

‘We arrived here facing a realistic situation, but if the players leave everything on the pitch, as they did, it sets a great example for our people and our country.

‘We have to pick ourselves up again, there is no other way.

‘I certainly value the runners-up spot because it takes so much to get here, and I think it deserves huge recognition.

‘Naturally, we would have liked to win, but ultimately, I feel gratitude. That is the only word I have, along with sadness, of course.

‘But when you give everything like that, regardless of whether you play well or poorly, it’s very hard to find fault.”

The Argentina head coach added: ‘We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. We are showing that we know how to lose.

‘We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.’

Attention has also turned to the performances on the pitch, with Argentinian media handing several players brutal ratings after the disappointing display in the final…

Argentina media blast four players after World Cup final defeat: ‘His worst game’

Argentinian TV channel TyC Sports criticised four players after the World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Argentina were bidding to win back-to-back World Cups at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night but suffered a 1-0 defeat to impressive Spain.

Lionel Scaloni’s side did not have a single shot on goal in normal time but produced a defiant defensive display to shut out European champions Spain.

Argentina’s cause was not helped by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s red card in the 93rd minute, which left the defending champions down to ten men for the entirety of extra-time.

They were just 15 minutes away from a penalty shootout when Spain finally broke their resistance through Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner.

Spain were undoubtedly the better side on the night, with Argentina failing to create any chances until they were forced to chase the game in the dying minutes.

National TV channel TyC Sports ‘thanked’ the team for their efforts throughout the World Cup but reluctantly criticised four players from the final, giving them 4/10 ratings or worse.

They said midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who made a huge impact in the semi-final win over England, ’caused’ Argentina problems with his ‘inaccurate passing’.

‘Unfortunately, he was inaccurate, his passing caused problems, and he was never solid in his attempts to disrupt Spain’s attacking play,’ they wrote.

‘He also offered no surprises in attack; he was needed a lot, and this time he was absent.

‘In the second half, he was completely absent, as in other matches of the World Cup. A poor performance, a lacklustre World Cup.’

Fernandez was given the same rating after a red card that may have cost Argentina a genuine chance of winning the World Cup.

‘He lost in his role as a “central midfielder,” he couldn’t find the ball, he didn’t win it back, and when he did have it at his feet, his long passes went forward,’ they said.

‘With no chance to establish fluidity in his play, he tried to get forward, but that’s when Spain made things even more difficult for him.

‘His lacklustre performance didn’t improve when Paredes came on, and to make matters worse, a clumsy and mistimed tackle left the team with ten men.

‘Enzo, the best player against England, didn’t have a good game this time.’

Giuliano Simeone, the son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego, was partly at fault for Spain’s winning goal and paid the price with a brutal review.

‘The effort and enthusiasm in every play were also accompanied by a lack of technique and poor judgment in making the right decision,’ TyC Sports said.

‘He lost Ferran on the goal, misplaced many passes, and conceded an unexpected equalizer, but hey, Messi doesn’t always get those kinds of chances in the box. He ran and pushed, and that was it.’

The worst match rating was reserved for Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina, who came on at right back in the second half.

They wrote: ‘Another poor performance, perhaps the worst, highlighting one of Scaloni’s biggest problems at this World Cup: the right flank.

‘Molina was also caught out by another defensive lapse, which led to Spain’s goal.

‘He struggled against anyone who attacked down that side; a match to forget and a very lacklustre World Cup for the Atlético Madrid full-back.’

Meanwhile, Argentina manager Scaloni insisted he was ‘sad’ but ‘proud’ of his team after they fell short in the World Cup final.

‘I feel sad but I am aware that we played our hearts out,’ he said. ‘There are many things I would like to say, but I can’t really.

‘I am forever thankful to these guys who have competed all the way. They were better to be honest. I have really fond memories of what they did and how difficult it is to get here.

‘We must not forget everything we have done so far. I would like to tell the country that we played our hearts out.’

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