One Argentina player defied disgraceful acts from teammates while Spain lifted World Cup trophy

One Argentine player has been praised for refusing to perform a disrespectful act after the World Cup final.

Argentina failed to retain their crown in New York/New Jersey as Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike secured Spain’s second World Cup triumph.

After the match, Argentina were heavily criticised as Leandro Paredes violently attacked Spain’s Gavi, throwing the Barcelona midfielder to the floor, while Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all became involved in the fracas.

Paredes went on to grab Eric Garcia by the throat and appeared to be sent off. However, it has since been reported that the red card has been removed from FIFA’s records, with no further disciplinary action expected.

READ NEXT: World Cup nation to make official complaint over Donald Trump involvement at tournament

Argentina star praised for defying team orders

And while Paredes’ behaviour has been condemned by many, one Argentina star has been praised for defying team orders during Spain’s trophy lift.

As Rodri held the World Cup aloft, almost every Argentina player and staff member turned their backs on the podium, apart from Jose Manuel Lopez, who did, in fact, face Spain’s celebrations.

The Palmeiras forward did not feature in the final but did have an impact on the tournament, setting up Julian Alvarez’s winner in the quarter-final against Switzerland.

Fans praised Lopez on social media.

One said: “My respects to José Manuel López, the only Argentine player who did not turn his back on Spain's coronation.”

Another added: “Despite the fact that his teammates were all facing away, José Manuel López turned around to watch how the Spaniards celebrated their success; he was the only Argentine player who showed respect for the result and the Spanish national team. That is representing one's country with dignity and honor.”

A third claimed: “The only Argentine with manners on that team of such sore losers was José Manuel López, and that deserves applause.”

While a fourth commented: “‘Lopez kept his gaze on the new champions while the rest of the Argentine national team looked toward the stands.

“His gesture of respect in raising Spain’s Cup says a lot about him. You can win or lose but you should never fail to show respect.’”

Despite being heavily criticised, head coach Lionel Scaloni defended his players, maintaining that they had set a “great example” while showing people “how to lose”.

He told TYC: “We are great in victory and we must be great in defeat. We accept that we lost, we gave everything, we arrived at a very crucial moment, but if they leave everything on the field like they did today, it's a great example for our people and country. You lose and you have to get back up again."

Scaloni, who has coached the South American nation since 2018, is expected to step down as head coach later this year while Lionel Messi and Emi Martinez’s futures remain uncertain.