The Argentina national team faced harsh criticism after their defeat in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. An article by The Athletic labeled Lionel Scaloni's team as 'dirty' and claimed it was 'the dirtiest final since 2010'. The controversy goes beyond the result, focusing on how the match unfolded at the MetLife Stadium.

What happened in the final?

Journalist Tim Speirs described the game as a 'festival of shoves, skulduggery, and squealing'. He highlighted that Argentina, who entered the final on a five-game winning streak (including a 2-1 win over England on July 15), was involved in multiple fouls and altercations. From Alexis Mac Allister's hard tackle on Dani Olmo to Enzo Fernández's red card, the match was marred by tension.

Why does it matter?

The article draws parallels with the 2010 final, when Spain beat the Netherlands in a controversial match. Speirs argues that those expecting a football spectacle 'should have turned off the TV'. He even criticizes Lionel Messi, accusing him of overreacting by demanding a red card for Marc Cucurella for covering his mouth.

What’s the Argentine response?

Scaloni's team has not officially responded, but fans defend their attitude as part of the 'garra charrúa' spirit. Meanwhile, Argentina prepares for their next challenge, aiming to maintain their unbeaten run in the last five matches.