Martinez dismisses Argentina criticism after World Cup final defeat

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has dismissed criticism of Argentina following the team’s controversial campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting there is “no real reason” for people to hate the national side.

Argentina suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal to hand La Roja a historic second World Cup title.

The tournament, however, was overshadowed by criticism of the Albiceleste’s conduct, with some observers accusing the team of adopting an overly aggressive approach and questioning the behaviour of some players during the competition.

Martinez rejected the allegations, describing them as part of an unfair campaign against Argentina.

“An anti-Argentina campaign? I’m a little annoyed because they have no real reason to hate us!” he told Foot Mercato on Monday.

“They say we are arrogant, but that says more about them than about us.

We have always been very respectful towards every opponent we have faced,” the defender added.

The controversy surrounding Argentina’s World Cup campaign also included a FIFA investigation into a Falklands/Malvinas banner displayed during the team’s semi-final celebrations.

Martinez had earlier responded to criticism after the final defeat by posting on social media that “the fall of the great is the happiness of the mediocre,” a remark that generated further debate.

Despite the backlash, the Manchester United centre-back maintained that Argentina had consistently shown respect to its opponents and argued that public perception of the team had been unfairly shaped by isolated incidents.

Argentina’s campaign combined impressive performances on the pitch with persistent controversy, culminating in the extra-time loss to Spain in the final. The scrutiny intensified after the trophy presentation, where the team’s conduct, including turning their backs on Spain during the ceremony, drew further criticism.