Wayne Rooney claims Argentina ‘deserved’ World Cup final heartbreak

Wayne Rooney has delivered a damning verdict on Argentina’s conduct after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, arguing the South Americans “got what they deserved” for their unsportsmanlike behaviour. The former England captain’s comments underscore the growing frustration around Argentina’s aggressive tactics and post-match reactions, which overshadowed their tournament run. With tensions boiling over in the closing stages and red cards flying, the final became as much about off-field drama as it was about football.

The final descended into chaos as Argentina’s frustration boiled over

The match itself was a controlled display by Spain, who dominated possession and territory for long periods. Argentina’s physical approach, criticised throughout their campaign, resurfaced in the final, culminating in Enzo Fernández’s dismissal in the 77th minute after a reckless challenge on Rodri. The flashpoint, however, arrived after the final whistle. Spanish players celebrated on the pitch as Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Rodri, prompting Leandro Paredes to launch a flurry of punches at Gavi and Eric García. The fracas drew immediate condemnation, with Rooney labelling Argentina’s reaction “sad” and “not good enough.”

Joe Hart, working alongside Rooney on BBC coverage, was equally scathing. “It’s disgusting,” he said. “There was one man on the pitch who did have class and it was Lionel Messi. He shook hands with every one of the Spanish players.” Hart’s remarks highlighted the stark contrast between Messi’s dignified conduct and the behaviour of his teammates, which overshadowed Argentina’s competitive but often bruising display.

Rooney’s verdict: a reflection of Argentina’s tournament persona

Rooney’s criticism cuts to the heart of Argentina’s identity in this tournament. Their semi-final against England was marred by cynical fouls and time-wasting, while their semi-final victory over France saw them cling to a penalty shootout after a gruelling contest. The pattern continued in the final, where their aggression masked a technical inferiority to Spain. “They resort to that at the end,” Rooney said. “It’s a reaction to them being outplayed, outfought, outthought.” His words underscore a broader narrative: Argentina’s physicality, while effective in some moments, ultimately couldn’t mask their tactical limitations.

The red cards for Fernández and Paredes crystallised the issue. Fernández’s sending-off came after a high boot on Rodri, while Paredes’ post-whistle assaults epitomised a team unable to process defeat with dignity. Argentina’s campaign, built on resilience and a refusal to yield, ended in a haze of controversy rather than celebration. The contrast with Spain’s composed, possession-based approach was stark: where Spain played with purpose, Argentina relied on intensity and, ultimately, indiscipline.

What happens next for Argentina and Spain?

For Spain, the victory represents a coronation of their youthful, possession-based philosophy. Their ability to grind down opponents over 120 minutes—culminating in a controlled final performance—signals a generational shift. The contrast with Argentina’s approach could not be sharper: where Spain played with purpose, Argentina relied on intensity and, ultimately, indiscipline. The Spanish players’ composure under pressure, particularly from Rodri in midfield, stood in stark relief to Argentina’s chaotic final moments.

Argentina, meanwhile, face an identity crisis. Their World Cup triumph in 2022 was built on Messi’s genius and a collective refusal to accept defeat. This final exposed the cracks in that model. The question now is whether they double down on their physical, combative style or attempt to modernise their approach. With Messi’s future uncertain, the next cycle risks being defined by recrimination rather than renewal. The post-match violence, including Paredes’ punches and Molina’s alleged strike on Rodri, will demand serious introspection from the Argentine FA.

The fallout from this final will linger. FIFA may impose sanctions over the post-match violence, while pundits will dissect whether Argentina’s tactics crossed a line. One thing is clear: their World Cup curtain call was less about football and more about the consequences of a team that confused aggression with artistry. The disciplinary record of Argentina’s players throughout the tournament—Fernández’s booking in the group stage, Molina’s cynical fouls, and now two red cards in the final—paints a picture of a team struggling to adapt to modern football’s demands.

As Rooney put it: “If you lose a game, get out of there. That’s just not good enough.” Argentina’s moment has passed—for now. The manner of their exit, however, will define their legacy for years to come, while Spain’s triumph offers a blueprint for the future of the game.