Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain by the narrowest of margins, with a goal by Ferran Torres that hurt deeply. But what came afterward hurt differently: a wave of international criticism, with voices such as Mia Khalifa’s accusing the team of being “unsportsmanlike” over a viral image in which the players appeared with their backs turned while Spain lifted the cup. 🏆
Lisandro Martínez, who had to leave injured in the first half of that final, did not stay silent. “I have mixed feelings; I am a little angry because clearly they have no reason to generate that hatred”, the defender said, clarifying that the photo of them with their backs turned was because they were singing with their supporters, not because they meant to disrespect anyone. He assured that they did greet the Spanish players and coaching staff one by one. 🇦🇷
A week later, in Gualeguay, Entre Ríos, they welcomed him like a hero: they declared him an Illustrious Citizen. There, among his own people, Licha found the answer that social media did not give him.