ESPN pundits have sharply criticized Argentina's performance and conduct in the FIFA World Cup final, following their loss to Spain. Analyst Craig Burley described the team as "a complete and utter disgrace" for both their on-field play and off-ball antics.
Despite an electrifying tournament, the final was anticlimactic, with Spain dominating play. Argentina managed only 32% possession and failed to record a single shot on target. The team's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, made a World Cup final record 11 saves, preventing a more lopsided score.
Frank Leboeuf, another commentator on ESPN FC, echoed Burley's sentiments, calling the match a "shame" and a "bad image for football." Leboeuf stated that Argentina's approach, which he characterized as "do anything to get a victory" and employing "the dark arts," left a negative impression.
Argentina's conduct extended beyond the field of play. Following the final whistle, as Spain celebrated, Argentine player Leandro Paredes initiated an altercation, striking Spain's Eric Garcia and then shoving Gavi. This led to a larger scuffle, for which Paredes was ultimately shown a red card.
Further controversy arose when Argentina's players reportedly skipped mandatory post-match media obligations, leaving head coach Lionel Scaloni to address reporters alone. FIFA rules require teams to designate players for interviews in the mixed zone.
Scaloni, however, acknowledged Spain's superiority. "They were the better side — that’s the truth," he said, while still emphasizing the value of his team's effort and journey to the final. "We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort."