Lisandro Martinez Explains Why Argentina Turned Their Backs on Spain's World Cup Trophy Lift
Sunday, 26 July 2026
The Manchester United defender has broken his silence on the controversial gesture that sparked a global backlash, insisting the team's actions were a moment of respect for their own supporters — not a slight against the newly crowned champions
The image has been shared, analysed, and condemned millions of times across social media: the entire Argentina squad, standing with their backs to the podium as Spain lifted the 2026 World Cup trophy. The gesture, captured at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey moments after a heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat, was instantly branded "classless" by critics and sparked a furious debate about sportsmanship, respect, and the unwritten rules of football's greatest stage .
But now, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has offered a defence of his team's actions, insisting the moment was fundamentally misunderstood .
'It Was a Show of Respect to Our Fans'
Martinez, who was named in FIFA's Team of the Tournament, has spoken publicly to explain the reasoning behind the controversial gesture, which saw the Albiceleste squad turn their backs as Spain captain Rodri lifted the trophy into the New York sky .
"The image where we appear with our backs to the camera was because we stayed singing with our fans," Martinez clarified . "It was a show of respect towards the Argentine fans. We couldn't leave. After the final, we greeted all the Spanish players and coaching staff" .
The defender pushed back against accusations that the gesture was a deliberate snub towards the champions. "We always had a lot of respect for our opponents," he told reporters . "It was also said that after the final we didn't acknowledge Spain. We congratulated all the players, the entire coaching staff, we did that" .
A Gesture That Divided the Football World
Despite Martinez's explanation, the moment has become the defining flashpoint of a tournament that saw Argentina's conduct come under repeated scrutiny . Former England international Stuart Pearce was among the harshest critics, saying: "When Spain were about to lift the trophy, every single Argentina player had their back turned to it. That probably tells you a lot, doesn't it?" .
The controversy was intensified by a series of post-match confrontations . Leandro Paredes was shown a red card after the final whistle for his role in an altercation with Eric Garcia and Gavi, while Nahuel Molina was also involved in a clash with Rodri . Video footage showed Paredes appearing to shove Garcia by the throat, adding fuel to the criticism of Argentina's conduct . Following the incidents, FIFA confirmed it has opened an investigation into potential breaches of its disciplinary code .
Spanish media outlets were scathing in their assessment. Marca labelled the gesture "one of the most despicable things ever seen at a World Cup," accusing Argentina of "trampling on sporting values" . AS described the act as "hard to accept," noting that Argentina had ignored "one of the unwritten rules of the runners-up" . Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo, when asked about the gesture, offered a pointed response: "We are role models for many generations, and I think they should be too" .
Argentina's Defiant Response: 'They Have No Reason to Hate Us'
Martinez has reacted with defiance to the storm of criticism, dismissing the backlash as unfounded and suggesting it reveals more about the critics than about his team .
"I have mixed feelings. It makes me a little angry because they have no basis for generating that hatred," Martinez said . "They say we're arrogant but maybe it says more about the people who say those things than about us. We have always been respectful to our opponents" .
Head coach Lionel Scaloni also defended his players' conduct, insisting they had set the right example in defeat despite the ugly scenes that followed the final whistle . "We accept that we lost, we gave everything, we arrived at a very crucial moment, but if they leave everything on the field like they did today, it's a great example for our people and country," Scaloni said .
Was There More to the Moment?
While Martinez's explanation frames the gesture as an act of gratitude towards Argentina's travelling supporters, other details complicate the narrative . Television broadcasts showed that when Spain formed a guard of honour to applaud Argentina as they received their silver medals, the Albiceleste players accepted the gesture . However, they did not return the favour when it was Spain's turn to lift the trophy .
Broadcaster Adrian Durham, speaking on TalkSport, was among the harshest critics, calling Argentina a "total disgrace" and accusing them of an inability to accept defeat . "They've been absolutely shocking. They've been a total embarrassment to the game," he said .
Notably, one Argentine player was seen standing to watch Spain's celebration. According to reports, Palmeiras striker Flaco Lopez, who made two substitute appearances during the tournament, remained facing the podium as Rodri lifted the trophy, a decision that earned him widespread praise from fans .
The Unwritten Rules of Football
The controversy has reopened debates about the expectations placed on losing finalists. Traditionally, runners-up remain on the pitch to watch the champions' celebration, a gesture seen as a mark of respect for the victors and the sport itself .
Whether Argentina's gesture was a calculated act of disrespect or an emotional moment shared with their supporters may ultimately be a matter of perspective. But with FIFA now investigating , and the football world still debating the images, the controversy is unlikely to fade quickly.