FOUR days after shedding tears of joy in Atlanta, Argentina players were crying tears of despair in New Jersey.
Their World Cup campaign, and almost certainly ‘s World Cup career, ended with a timid defeat to in extra-time.
Lionel Messi sobbed after losing the World Cup final to Spain Credit: World Cup final, BBC
Leandro Paredes was sent off for striking Gavi Credit: EPA
Two shots – none in the regulation 90 minutes – and neither of them on target.
While Spain rained down 20 attempts on Emi Martinez’s goal and finally found the breakthrough when lashed home in the 106th minute.
In their on Wednesday, rubbed both of their goals in players’ faces.
They then posed with a flag which said: “The Faklands are Argentine”, exposing them to possible disciplinary action from .
So not many Three Lions fans will have been overcome with sympathy watching Messi sob from the final whistle to the trophy lift.
Neither will those who feel the Argentines got more than their fair share of leniency from referees – not least when Nico Williams’ goal in the final was disallowed for a dubious foul in the build-up.
The initial reaction to the defeat from some Argentina players was outright rage.
was shown a post-match for disgracefully striking Gavi in the face.
Giuliano Simeone lay face-down and sobbed Credit: Getty
Reality quickly began to set in for Argentina stars Credit: Reuters
This is likely to be Messi’s last-ever World Cup
Argentina did not even register a shot on target Credit: Reuters
Messi also lost out on the Golden Boot to Kylian Mbappe Credit: Reuters
Others, including Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, joined the tussle.
But the rage soon gave way to devastation.
lay face-down on the turf sobbing.
lifted up the collar of his shirt to cover most of his face.
Messi shook hands with but was also seen wiping tears from his eyes while sat on the MetLife Stadium pitch, and then again as Spain stepped up to collect their reward.
Others joined him, sat there heartbroken as the reality set in.
They had the chance to cap off the greatest footballer of all time’s international career with back-to-back World Cups, but fell short.
And their heads were bowed after an ultra-conservative game plan that painfully backfired.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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