Argentina FA President Issues Statement After Spain Win World Cup

Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia has given his thoughts on his nation's World Cup final defeat to Spain amid a petition demanding the game be replayed.

Lionel Messi failed to become a two-time World Cup champion after La Albiceleste fell to a 1-0 loss at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Lionel Scaloni played extra time with 10 men following Enzo Fernandez's 90+3rd-minute sending off for two bookable offences.

Spain made the most of their one-man advantage, and Ferran Torres smashed home a 106th-minute winner for Luis de La Fuente's side. It was a bitter end to Messi's final World Cup campaign amid growing speculation over possible international retirement.

Argentina Fans Petition For World Cup Final Replay

Messi wasn't involved in a furious post-match brawl that led to FIFA conducting a review. Argentina's Leandro Paredes threw punches at Spanish midfielder Gavi while there were other incidents involving assistant coach Roberto Ayala and defender Nahuel Molina.

Not only were Argentina players and staff fuming with their defeat to Spain, but tens of thousands of fans believed the final should be replayed. A fan created a petition on Change.org which has reached 95,710 signatures as of Friday (July 24th).

Its creator, Gisela Sanchez, alleged that Slovakian referee Slavko Vincic and the officiating team's decisions forced the outcome of the match. She wrote in the petition to FIFA, saying 'this isn't just a matter of justice for Argentina, but for the future of world football."

This is not expected to have any effect, though, as petitions on Change.org have no legal or binding effect on the result. Only under "extraordinary circumstances" would the final be replayed, and not because of fans' issues with the refereeing performance.

'Acknowledge That' - Tapia on Argentina World Cup Loss

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has already dismissed conspiracy theories and suggestions Vincic's officiating resulted in his nation's loss. He insisted that "the better team" won on the day and this has been echoed by the Argentina FA president.

Tapia posted a lengthy statement in response to La Albiceleste's World Cup final loss and had a clear message for those demanding a replay: "We were unable to get past Spain. We couldn't beat Spain. They were superior, they won fair and square, and we have to acknowledge that."

Delving further into the defeat, he touched on needing to accept it: "In sports, you also learn by accepting defeats with the same grace with which you celebrate victories. Yes, we lost a final. But it's also true that this group had just brought immense joy to the country. Argentina had celebrated a match earlier because this team once again demonstrated why it means so much to our people."

Paredes, Molina and Ayala's actions have been condemned by many in the game, with Gary Neville on ITV branding them 'disgraceful.' Argentina players had their backs to Spain during the trophy celebration and Tapia understands the hurt they are suffering:

"Losing hurts. It hurts because we are competitive, because we are the most successful team in history, and because second place is never enough for us. It hurts because we are used to fighting until the end and because we continue to be one of the two best teams in the world."

Tapia wants fans to acknowledge the team's contributions: "But let's stop for a moment. Let's think about the sacrifice of these players, the coaching staff, and every person who worked for more than 50 days away from their families, with a single objective: to represent Argentina in the best way possible."

He added: "We are Argentinians. We compete with grit, with passion, and with heart... That's why you shouldn't be swayed by lies or by schemes that only seek to destabilize. Enough of trying to turn against those who have given so much to our football... Schemes come and go. The commitment, the work, and the heart of our National Team remain forever."

On the flipside, there were allegations during the World Cup that Argentina was being handed preferential treatment. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of wanting Messi and his team to stay in the tournament for as long as possible.

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