Argentina advances to Copa America final amid viral controversy
During the Copa America semi-final match between Argentina and Canada, a player from the latter team exhibited scandalous behaviour. The recording made it to the internet and went viral. However, this was not the only noteworthy incident.
The Euros are ongoing in Europe, and the Copa America is in the Americas. Both football tournaments are entering their decisive phases. In the first semi-final match held on American pitches, Argentina eliminated Canada, winning 2-0 with goals from Leo Messi and Julian Alvarez. In the final, the Albicelestes will face the Uruguay vs. Colombia match winner.
But it was not the match's result that became the most popular topic on social media. The incident from the 79th minute of the game, when Lionel Scaloni's player, Rodrigo de Paul, fell to the ground after an alleged clash with an opponent, was commented on much more often and highly criticised.
Why alleged? The published recording shows that Stephen Eustaquio, who attempted to slide tackle him, didn’t even touch his legs, yet he still landed on the ground. The video was shared online, and the Atletico Madrid midfielder has become one of the most criticised players in the past 24 hours.
Canadian player kicked the ball at the fallen Argentine
The story doesn’t end with the aforementioned situation when Rodrigo de Paul was lying on the ground, writhing in pain after the collision with the ground. A player from the Canadian team overshadowed his "performance," but not in a manner worthy of a football spectacle.
The central midfielder of Jesse Marsch’s team, Ismael Kone, received the ball next to the lying Argentine player and then kicked it at his back. He was given a yellow card for his behaviour, although the opposing team's players suggested he should be sent off. A recording of the incident is circulating on X, and nearly six million users have viewed it already.
