Argentina's national media rallied behind the team following their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final — even as the performance drew widespread criticism for its defensive and ill-disciplined nature.
Lionel Messi's side offered almost nothing going forward. Argentina registered no shots in normal time and failed to produce a single effort on target across the full 120 minutes, leaving Spain largely untroubled throughout.
Discipline problems compound a difficult night
Argentina's evening was further soured by a series of disciplinary failures. Enzo Fernandez was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards — the first for dissent, the second for a clumsy challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
At the final whistle, Leandro Paredes — who had arguably been fortunate to remain on the pitch — was sent off for a furious reaction at the referee. Nahuel Molina also confronted Spain players in scenes that reflected poorly on the side.
Argentine papers choose pride over criticism
Despite the manner of the defeat, Argentina's front pages on Monday chose unity over condemnation. Clarin ran a tearful image of Messi alongside the headline:
