Nicolas Otamendi Clashes With Former Teammate Rodri After Heated World Cup Final – “You Fool, Crying About Referee”
According to reports, Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi was also involved in a clash with Spain captain Rodri after referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle, confirming Spain’s victory.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Ugly scenes broke out after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina, with veteran Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi involved in a heated clash with Spain captain Rodri after the final whistle, as tensions boiled over about the refereeing.
Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra-time at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday to win their second World Cup title, thanks to a 106th minute winner from Ferran Torres. But the final was marred by controversy, fouls, and a massive fight after the match.
According to reports, Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi was also involved in a clash with Spain captain Rodri after referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle, confirming Spain’s victory.
Former Manchester City teammates Rodri and Nicolas Otamendi were involved in a heated confrontation after the World Cup final. Otamendi was visibly furious with Rodri, with cameras showing him shouting at the Spanish midfielder.
Reports from Tribuna and TalkSport revealed what was said. Otamendi branded Rodri an “idiot” and accused him of crying about the referee all week.
The argument is said to have started because of comments made by Spain defender Aymeric Laporte ahead of the final about referee bias. Argentina defender Otamendi confronted Spain captain Rodri over those comments regarding referee bias made by Laporte. Otamendi’s jibe to Rodri was: “Crying all week” about the referee, and calling him a fool for complaining.
The final itself had several controversial refereeing moments that angered both sides. Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was appointed by FIFA to officiate the final with assistants Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, was at the centre of attention.
Moments later it looked as if Spain had made the breakthrough when Nico Williams slid a low finish into the net but referee Vincic blew for a marginal foul on Nicolas Otamendi. In the 100th minute, Spain thought they had scored again when Mikel Merino shrugged off Otamendi before seeing his shot blocked and Williams scored the rebound, but the referee instantly blew his whistle, disallowing the goal for a foul by Merino on Otamendi.
Spain supporters in the stadium were heard chanting “Infantino is Argentinian” after that decision, feeling it was a poor decision by the referee.
Tensions had been rising throughout the game. Leandro Paredes hit Rodri in the face away from the action in the 52nd minute, and Spain’s captain dropped to the ground. As players from both teams rushed to make their case to the referee, there was pushing and shoving. Argentina finished the game with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card.
After the final whistle, the chaos exploded. Argentina’s Leandro Paredes got a red card after fights with Gavi and Eric Garcia after the final whistle. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was held back by a Spain player while appearing to shout at someone. Video also showed Argentina defender Nahuel Molina throwing a punch at Rodri’s stomach during celebrations, which led to many Argentina players getting involved in the scuffle.
While Lionel Messi walked off in tears, Rodri looked confused at being criticized by his former teammate, but walked away with the World Cup and the Golden Ball.
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