Argentina set an example by staying on the field despite losing the final
Collected Photo
After losing 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, Argentina has faced criticism and various rumors. However, amid the criticism, one sporting gesture by the Argentine team has also drawn attention.
Spain midfielder Dani Olmo said after the match, “The values we project to the outside world are important. We are role models for many boys and girls. That is why we should set a good example in every situation.” Many believe his remarks were directed at Lionel Messi and the Argentina team.
However, Argentina’s players did not turn away from the medal ceremony. Wearing their silver medals around their necks, they remained on the field and thanked their supporters in the stands.
A large section of Argentina supporters at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was seated to the right of the podium. As a result, it was not possible to watch both Spain lifting the trophy and acknowledge their supporters at the same time. Argentina’s players chose instead to express their gratitude to their own fans.
There is also no FIFA rule requiring the runner up team to remain on the field until the opposing team’s trophy celebration is over. They are free to leave the field immediately after receiving their medals if they wish.
Over the past two decades, there have been several instances of World Cup runners up leaving the field before the trophy celebration began. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Netherlands left the field shortly after receiving their medals following their defeat to Spain.
By contrast, after losing to Germany in extra time in the 2014 World Cup final, Argentina remained at the Maracanã until the trophy celebration had concluded. Despite the jeers from Brazilian fans and the celebrations of the Germans, they stayed on the field. Even after the match, when Germany’s goal scorer Mario Götze asked to take a photo, Messi agreed despite having tears in his eyes.
In 2018, Croatia also left the field shortly after receiving their medals following their 4-2 defeat to France. Likewise, after Argentina won the World Cup at Lusail Stadium in 2022, France’s players left the field immediately after receiving their medals. As a result, the French team was not present during Argentina’s title celebration.
