One of the Argentine networks highlighted the verbal altercation that occurred between the Argentine national team player, Nicolás Otamendi, and one of the Spanish national team players after their match on Sunday evening.
The "MetLife" stadium hosted the final match of the 2026 World Cup between Argentina and Spain, where the latter won by a goal without reply.
The Argentine network "tycsports" stated that the situation was not friendly between Nicolás Otamendi and Rodri after the final match, as the latter tried to shake hands with the Argentine player but he refused.
It explained that Otamendi refused to shake hands with Rodri and made sure to reprimand him explicitly, saying to him: "You have been crying all week, you and Laporte, both of you, you were crying because of the referees, my friend".
It indicated that Rodri's reaction to what Otamendi said was confusion and astonishment, as he said to him: "About what?".
It reported that Rodri asked Otamendi for respect, but the latter interrupted him and said to him: "I respect you, but you should not speak in that way, do you know that?", amid continuous astonishment from the Spanish captain.
Several players from the Spanish national team spoke about the provocations of Argentina and the refereeing during their statements before the final match, and it seems that this angered Otamendi as he did not forget what was said, which caused his anger especially after the loss.
