World Cup final - Spain 1-0 Argentina: Lionel Messi's side defended by national newspapers despite dismal display
Argentina lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain amid a dismal display from Lionel Messi's side; England's conquerors barely threatened the Spain goal with a defensive and ill-disciplined display - but the national papers have called the team a source of national pride after the final
Monday 20 July 2026 11:52, UK
Argentina's national media defended their team's performance in the World Cup final - despite a defensive and ill-disciplined display.
Lionel Messi's side barely made the game with Spain a contest. They did not have a shot in normal time - nor an effort on target in the entire 120 minutes.
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Meanwhile, their ill-discipline came through as Enzo Fernandez was shown two yellow cards - first for dissent, then for a wild clumsy challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
At full-time, Leandro Paredes, who arguably should have joined Fernandez in being sent off for two yellow cards, was given his marching orders for his angry response at the whistle. Nahuel Molina also squared up to Spain players in disgraceful scenes.
"I love the competitiveness of the Argentines but Paredes has been a disgrace the last couple of games," said Gary Neville on commentary for ITV.
However, the Argentina front pages on Monday morning called for national pride despite the 1-0 final loss.
Clarin went for a tearful picture of Messi with the headline. "They gave it their all, nothing to blame them for."
La Nacion went for a similar theme, going with the line: "Argentina gave it their all - and they're a source of national pride."
Another paper Ole went with the headline: "May they be eternal" with another tearful Messi image.
'The world is ours' - Spain react to second World Cup triumph
Spain's front pages, meanwhile, were full of joy as they celebrated their second World Cup triumph.
AS went for the headline "The world is ours" - adding that the win came through "absolute justice".
On El Periodico's front page were the words: "The world surrenders to Spain", while ABC called Spain "invincible" - noting their 38-game unbeaten run in international football.
El Mundo said Spain are "on top of the world" - while multiple papers called Spain "double champions" and "superstars".
