After a fantastic tournament, the World Cup final did not quite deliver the same level of spectacular action. A single Ferran Torres goal in extra-time was enough to see Spain beat Argentina 1-0.

That’s not to say there weren’t plenty of talking points from the game. There has been a great deal of criticism for the way the Argentine’s approach the match, as they posed more threat to the Spanish players’ well-being than to Unai Simon’s goal.

Enzo Fernandez was sent off for two yellow cards, while Leandro Paredes could face punishment after scrapping with Eric Garcia and Gavi after the full-time whistle. Beyond those moments, Lionel Scaloni’s men put up little fight in a footballing sense, and that makes the half-time comments of Emiliano Martinez rather interesting in hindsight.

The scores were level at the break, but Argentina had yet to register a single shot on goal. At the other end, goalkeeper Martinez had been forced to make some key saves.

As per Goal, the Argentine shot-stopper was clearly unhappy with his teammates at half-time as he tried to fire them up. He even went as far as to suggest they were ‘cowards’ if they didn’t look to be more progressive with their passing:

The report notes that captain Lionel Messi then added: “Come on, boys, character, everyone, character. We’ve always had it, aren’t we going to show it now? Come on, hey. Character to play, let’s play our football, let’s play, come on.”

Martinez’s comments didn’t appear to help much as Spain continued to dominate proceedings, with Argentina becoming the first team to go 90 minutes in a World Cup final without mustering a shot on goal. Their first efforts would finally come in extra-time, but they couldn’t find the back of the net, with Torres’s 106th-minute strike winning the game for Spain instead.

Lionel Messi looks dejected via REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

It’s interesting that Martinez felt the need to try and lift his teammates with a passionate speech during the break, as footage has emerged before the game where many players looked unusually subdued. In the tunnel ahead of kick-off, Messi was heard saying:

“Let’s stay calm, boys. Forget about everything else. Forget about everything. Let’s just think about playing, that’s all.”

His comments sparked theories about an unseen incident in the dressing room, although it has since emerged that the players may have simply been left emotional after their captain revealed it would likely be his final game for Argentina. Messi has yet to confirm his international retirement, but it does seem likely at this point.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram account has been caught ‘liking’ an eyebrow-raising post about Argentina and Lionel Messi.

Argentina were beaten by Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium after Ferran Torres scored the game’s only goal in extra-time.

Messi, who’d scored eight goals and provided four assists prior to the final, was unable to make an impact against Luis de la Fuente’s side. The 39-year-old was subsequently beaten to the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards by Kylian Mbappe and Rodri, respectively.

Argentina, champions in 2022, have received heavy criticism throughout the tournament.

Conspiracy theories suggesting Argentina were benefitting from favourable refereeing decisions became widespread on social media, while the behaviour of Lionel Scaloni’s players after their World Cup final defeat has been lambasted by fans and pundits alike.

FIFA have opened an investigation and may take action against Argentina’s players and coaching staff who were involved in the post-match altercations that marred Sunday’s final.

Ronaldo’s Instagram Account ‘Likes’ Controversial Post

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Maria Lysaker

Per GOAL, Ronaldo’s verified Instagram account with 677 million followers appeared to like a video post that accused FIFA of corruption in order to help Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final.

The post features ‘scathing criticism’ from Spanish journalist Pilar Rodriguez Losantos regarding alleged refereeing bias displayed towards the South American nation throughout the showpiece international tournament in North America.

On the video, uploaded prior to the final, Losantos states: “Argentina should have been eliminated at least five matches ago! They are only still in the tournament thanks to help from FIFA, which is one of the most corrupt institutions on planet earth!

“So, I’m not afraid of Argentina at all; I’m more afraid of Gianni Infantino. I think we’re not going to play against Argentina, but against the whole of FIFA, who want to hand the World Cup to Lionel Messi!”

‘Rigged’ Accusations Categorically Denied

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, released a statement categorically denying any suggestions that the tournament was ‘rigged’ in favour of Argentina following accusations from Egypt’s players and coaching staff in the last 16.

“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport.” Collina said, after French referee Francois Letexier’s integrity was called into question. “Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”

Meanwhile, former FIFA referee and ex-PMGOL chief Keith Hackett said: “One area that I would dispute very strongly are claims that games are being fixed at World Cup level or any level of the game.

“There are sufficient checks and balances in place, and a filtering system to ensure that this does not happen.

“The laws of the game are subjective. I can get 100 referees in a room looking at a potential incident and not necessarily getting 100 referees to agree with the outcome. That’s the game of football. Those are the laws of the game.”

It was set to potentially be the great farewell for Lionel Messi, but Argentina failed to deliver much against Spain in the World Cup final. The 39-year-old ended up having just one shot in the match, which came in the 117th minute.

Indeed, it was a subdued performance from Lionel Scaloni’s men, with Spain deserving winners – even if it took until the 106th minute before Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock. Argentina have widely been criticised for their performance, as they displayed more than a few moments of poor sportsmanship on the day.

Among those to take issue with the Argentine behaviour, TV personality Piers Morgan has blasted Messi over one particular incident.

Piers Morgan Blasts Lionel Messi vs Spain

Reuters/ Mike Segar

With his team down to 10 men and struggling to get control of the game, Messi desperately attempted to get Marc Cucurella sent off. He appeared to try to ask the referee to hand the Spanish defender a red card, after spotting Cucurella cover his mouth – which is now considered to be a red card offence following the introduction of a new rule by FIFA.

The Inter Miami star was widely criticised by fans online for his actions, and Morgan has now added to the backlash. Speaking on his Sports Uncensored YouTube show, the English host said:

Why Cucurella Wasn’t Punished As John Terry Weighs In on Debate

Although many didn’t like Messi’s actions, with both Miguel Almiron and Piero Hincapie sent off earlier in the tournament for covering their mouths, Cucurella may have been lucky to avoid punishment. However, ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey explained why he was not dismissed, stating:

“We know it’s not a red card if you’re not being aggressive towards an opponent. So that is poor from Messi.”

In response to Morgan’s criticism, John Terry then insisted that Messi is still the greatest player of all time, but added that: “It tells you the mindset of the Argentinian players. Enzo [Fernandez] and Marc Cucurella are very very good friends at Chelsea, and he was also trying to get his mate sent off in the final.

Also, you never see Messi do that, so it goes to show their mindset. They needed to get Cucurella sent off, they were way outclassed all over the pitch. Spain were the better side.”