Argentina’s leading newspapers defended the national team following its 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final, despite a disappointing performance marked by defensive tactics, poor discipline and almost no attacking threat.
Lionel Messi’s team struggled to turn the match into a genuine contest. Argentina failed to register a shot during normal time and ended the full 120 minutes without producing a single effort on target.
Spain controlled much of the game and eventually secured its second World Cup title. Argentina, meanwhile, attracted criticism for its cautious approach and several incidents involving its players during and after the match.
Fernandez and Paredes punished for indiscipline
Argentina’s frustration became increasingly visible as the final progressed. Enzo Fernandez received two yellow cards, with the first shown for dissent and the second following a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
The dismissal left Argentina with ten players as Spain continued to manage the contest. Fernandez was not the only member of the team whose conduct came under scrutiny.
Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle because of his angry reaction to the result. The midfielder had already escaped a possible second yellow card earlier in the game and could have been dismissed before the match ended.
Nahuel Molina was also involved in tense scenes after approaching several Spanish players during the confrontation that followed the final whistle.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville criticised Paredes during ITV’s coverage. Neville said he admired Argentina’s competitive mentality but described the midfielder’s behaviour across the final matches of the tournament as unacceptable.
National media offer support despite poor performance
Although the team faced criticism abroad, Argentina’s newspapers adopted a much more supportive tone on Monday morning.
The front pages focused on national pride and the players’ efforts rather than the lack of attacking football or the disciplinary problems that affected the final.
Clarin published an image of a tearful Messi and insisted that the squad had given everything. The newspaper argued that the players should not be blamed for the defeat, presenting the runners up as a team that had fought until the end.
The reaction contrasted sharply with coverage in several international outlets, where Argentina’s style of play and conduct were heavily criticised. At home, however, the main message was one of gratitude toward Messi and his teammates for reaching another World Cup final.
Spanish newspapers celebrate another global title
The mood in Spain was entirely different as the country celebrated its second World Cup triumph.
AS led with the headline “The world is ours” and described Spain’s victory as fully deserved. The newspaper praised the team’s control of the game and presented the result as a fair reward for its performance throughout the tournament.
El Periodico declared that the football world had surrendered to Spain, while ABC called the national team invincible. The paper also highlighted Spain’s run of 38 international matches without defeat.
El Mundo stated that Spain had reached the top of world football. Several other publications referred to the players as double champions and celebrated them as the new stars of the international game.
The contrasting front pages reflected the emotions in both countries. Argentina’s media sought to protect a team dealing with a painful defeat, while Spanish newspapers celebrated another historic title and a victory they considered completely justified.
