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Lisandro Martinez explains why Argentina turned their backs on Spain during World Cup trophy lift
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Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez has defended his team's controversial reaction to Spain's World Cup victory, after images showed Argentine players turning their backs as Spain lifted the trophy. Martinez explained that the players were not disrespecting Spain but were instead sharing a moment with their own fans, singing and celebrating their support. He stated that after the final, they greeted all Spanish players and coaching staff. The article also notes tensions during the match, including a red card for Enzo Fernandez and post-match altercations involving Leandro Paredes and assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Martinez dismissed accusations of arrogance, saying the criticism is unfounded. The defeat ended Argentina's impressive run of three consecutive major tournament wins, and likely marked Lionel Messi's last international tournament at age 39.
Source report
Lisandro Martinez has defended Argentina after their actions in the World Cup final sparked criticism.
The Manchester United defender has hit back at claims that Argentina showed a lack of class when they turned their backs to Spain's World Cup trophy lift.
Background
Argentina failed to defend their world crown in North America, outclassed by the European champions, who scored their winner in extra time through Ferran Torres.
The South Americans' dark arts tactics had been apparent in the lead-up to the final, and they tried to rattle Spain. Enzo Fernandez was sent off before tensions boiled over after the final whistle as the two teams clashed.
The Controversy
Argentina collected their runners-up medals and went over to their section of the crowd. An image of them standing with their backs to Spain went viral, sparking accusations of a lack of class.
Martinez's Defence
Martinez insisted the players were sharing a moment with their fans, not shunning the winners, whom they met and congratulated once the dust had settled.
"The image where we appear with our backs to the camera was because we stayed singing with our fans. It was a show of respect towards the Argentine fans, we couldn't leave. After the final, we greeted all the Spanish players and coaching staff."
Further Incidents
Argentina's conduct was further scrutinised when Leandro Paredes clashed with Gavi and Eric Garcia on the pitch, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also involved in an altercation with Dani Olmo.
Martinez believes the backlash has gone over the top:
"I have mixed feelings. It makes me a little angry because they have no basis for generating that hatred. They say we're arrogant but maybe it says more about the people who say those things than about us. We have always been respectful to our opponents."
Argentina's Recent Success
Argentina's defeat brought their impressive tournament run to an end. They won the Copa America in 2021 — Lionel Messi's first international trophy — and then went on to claim the World Cup and defend their Copa America title.
They could not make it four trophies in a row, having seen off Egypt, Switzerland and England en route to the final. It is almost certainly Messi's last international tournament, with the 39-year-old unable to enjoy the perfect swansong.
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