Messi Criticised Over Argentina Players’ Conduct After World Cup Final Loss

Tony Cascarino criticised Lionel Messi for not calming Argentina teammates after their World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has criticised Argentina captain Lionel Messi for failing to intervene after tensions flared following his country’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.

Argentina suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal that handed the European side the world title.

The match ended on a tense note as several Argentina players were involved in confrontations with members of the Spanish team after the final whistle.

Although Messi did not participate in the altercation, Cascarino believes the Inter Miami star should have used his influence as captain to calm his teammates.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s The Sports Breakfast, the former Republic of Ireland international said he expected more leadership from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner during the heated moments that followed the match.

“I was a bit disappointed in Lionel Messi if I’m honest about not actually reacting to the way they played,” Cascarino said.

He acknowledged that physicality is part of football but argued that Argentina allowed emotions to overshadow their footballing ability.

“Because he’s been the highest [best] player I could ever think of. I was surprised that Lionel Messi didn’t sort of say, ‘Hey, look, physicality is part of our game, but we’ve got a lot of talent, and we should have shown a bit more of that,’” he added.

Spain were widely regarded as the better side throughout the encounter, dominating possession and creating more scoring opportunities before Torres found the breakthrough.

The defeat denied Argentina the chance to successfully defend the World Cup title they won in 2022.

Despite the criticism, Messi remains one of Argentina’s most decorated footballers, having guided the Albiceleste to World Cup and Copa América triumphs.

The loss to Spain has, however, sparked debate over Argentina’s performance, discipline and leadership during one of the biggest matches in international football.