SerpApi.Org
FIFA has confirmed that Argentina has been knocked off the top of its official world rankings following its defeat in the World Cup final against Spain.
A lackluster showing and chaotic scenes after the match have put Argentina's players under scrutiny, with their first consequence being the loss of their No. 1 position in the governing body's rankings.
Newly crowned world champion Spain has dealt another blow to Argentina by claiming its spot. Spain's triumph at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey guaranteed its rise to the top on 1,995.88 points, earning 30.27 ranking points for a historic win over Argentina courtesy of Ferran Torres' extra-time goal.
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Argentina has fallen to second place on 1,970.37, with France, England, and Brazil rounding out the top five. Morocco, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Mexico make up the rest of the top 10.
The rankings mark the latest setback for Argentina after a turbulent conclusion to their World Cup campaign. The Argentinians finished the final with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off, and they failed to register a single shot on target against Spain before tempers flared at the final whistle.
Leandro Paredes appeared to grab Eric Garcia by the throat before wrestling Gavi to the ground, while Nahuel Molina seemed to strike out at Spain captain Rodri as players and staff were caught up in a mass melee.
FIFA has since launched a formal disciplinary investigation, appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to look into the incidents, with both players and the Argentine Football Association potentially facing consequences.
Spain star speaks out
In a show of sportsmanship, Spain midfielder Gavi has urged FIFA not to hand out suspensions to any Argentina players over the post-match chaos, despite being personally caught up in the disorder himself.
Gavi, who was among the Spain players involved in the World Cup mayhem, believes any penalties should stop short of bans. "If I'm honest, I don't think they should be suspended," he said.
"I understand that what happened doesn't set a good example for children, but football also involves an element of friction and violence. For me, it was normal for the player to be sent off during the match, but in the end, I see these things as part of football."
His remarks come as FIFA's disciplinary investigation presses on, with several Argentina players and backroom staff members facing potential sanctions for their roles in the post-match confrontations.
The global governing body is also examining Argentina's conduct following their semifinal victory over England, during which a number of players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falkland Islands are Argentine"), seemingly in breach of FIFA's prohibition on political messaging at tournaments. Despite the disappointing conclusion to their title defense and the scandal surrounding the team, the Argentinians received an enthusiastic homecoming.
Thousands of supporters gathered in Buenos Aires as an open-top bus transported the squad through the city following their return from the United States. A military band greeted the team at the airport before they proceeded along a red carpet to the awaiting bus.
Messi, however, was noticeably absent. The 39-year-old captain, who was moved to tears after the final loss, traveled separately to his hometown of Rosario instead of reuniting with the rest of the squad in Buenos Aires. The Inter Miami star is anticipated to take full advantage of the three-week rest period provided to World Cup players before resuming club duties in MLS.
Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez, and Fernandez were also among those who did not return alongside the rest of the squad, while head coach Lionel Scaloni and veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi were the first to disembark from the team flight.
