2026 World Cup: Spain vs. Argentina Isn’t Over Yet—Rodrigo de Paul Launches a Counterattack, and the Controversy Rages On

Although two days have passed since the 2026 World Cup final, which saw Spain defeat Argentina, the controversy surrounding the Albiceleste shows no signs of abating. The team has been accused by many of failing to accept the loss, not only because of the brawl that broke out at the final whistle—with Leandro Paredes at the center of it—but also for turning their backs on the Spanish national team as it was being honored on the stage set up at MetLife Stadium.

In a post on his social media accounts, however, one of Argentina’s key players, Rodrigo de Paul, tried to shift the narrative: “Today I realize just how many people were waiting for this defeat,” thundered the former Udinese player, “fueling unfounded speculation throughout the World Cup to justify the pain of others who couldn’t experience what all of us Argentines were experiencing.”

“Our smiles bother them, as do our ways. But this has only confirmed that the passion and love for our jersey can do anything,” added De Paul, who played in nearly all of the Albiceleste’s World Cup matches, except for the one against Jordan that closed out the group stage. “It will hurt for a long time, but today more than ever I’m proud to be Argentine.”

Meanwhile, however, FIFA has launched an investigation that will assess what happened after Sunday’s match concluded—an inquiry that comes on top of the one regarding the banner “Las Malvinas son argentinas” carried onto the field by some Albiceleste players after their victorious comeback in the semifinal against England.