News Analysis: Argentina lost more than the World Cup final. It lost its class and decorum

The article frames Argentina’s World Cup exit as more than a loss of the trophy, citing a breakdown of “class and decorum” during and after the final. It notes the tournament’s scale, including the first World Cup held across three countries, a 48-team format, and nearly double the attendance of the prior record. The match described involved Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a red card after grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and shoving him to the turf. The piece also says Argentina turned its backs during Spain’s podium presentation and, more than an hour later, Lionel Messi led players out via a back exit to the team bus, avoiding the media. It argues FIFA rules require leaving through a “mixed zone” accessible to media.