Tearful Argentina stars failed to repeat their Falkland Islands stunt last night after their resounding defeat in the World Cup final.
Just days ago, players unfurled a “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” flag just moments after knocking out England.
The banner, which translated to “the Falklands are Argentine”, was rolled out in front of baying fans in Atlanta – with Manchester United man Lisandro Martinez and former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso seen laughing and dancing.
Martinez faced calls to have his UK work visa revoked over the stunt.
And Lionel Messi even stood by and joined in the celebrations.
But those same players were left in tears and resorting to violence after being downed 1-0 by eventual champions Spain last night.
They even kept their backs turned as the victorious Spaniards lifted the trophy.
On the pitch, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off just before extra time, while the unsavoury full-time scenes involving Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina have been panned across the board.
Former England star Luther Blissett told GB News it was in Argentina’s “DNA” to play rough, adding he could “never understand why… they’ve always been like that”.
While BBC pundit Joe Hart said: “There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players.
Tearful Argentina stars failed to repeat their Falkland Islands stunt last night
Lisandro Martinez, pictured clashing with security after last night’s World Cup final humiliation, has faced calls for his work visa to be revoked following the Falklands debacle
“The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”
Fellow pundit Wayne Rooney said of the Argentine antics: “Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me.
“We’ve seen this with Argentina before. It’s just not the reaction you want. We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round.
“That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them.”
Argentina defender Molina struck Spain midfielder Rodri as he ran on to the pitch to celebrate his side’s success.
Rodri had the last laugh about 10 minutes later as he hoisted the World Cup trophy aloft to an audience of billions.