VIDEO | "Don't believe rubbish, always a good group": Medina after final | OneFootball

After playing in the 2026 World Cup final, Facundo Medina returned to his roots in Villa Caraza, in the district of Lanús. Accompanied by José Manuel “Flaco” López, his teammate on the national team coached by Lionel Scaloni, the defender was welcomed by a crowd of local residents in the neighborhood where he grew up. The center-back took the opportunity to send a strong message to the fans in response to the conspiracy theories and rumors of internal rifts that emerged on social media after the defeat against Spain.

From a balcony, the 27-year-old Olympique de Marseille player took the microphone to shut down reports of internal conflicts. “Don’t believe that bullshit. You saw in photos and videos that it was always a good group. Don’t believe that bullshit,” Medina stressed. With these remarks, the defender echoed the public stance previously expressed by AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and Roberto Ayala.

The blow of defeat and the absences on the return

The center-back played key matches in the World Cup, including the final in New Jersey, which Spain won 1-0 in extra time. Medina acknowledged the deep emotional impact on the group and explained that the pain helps explain why several squad members chose not to be part of the official return flight to Buenos Aires. “We’re very sad about losing. We feel that way too. That’s why some of the guys didn’t come here. We get upset, we get sad,” he admitted.

Despite the frustration of falling just short of a second straight world title, the defender tried to put the sporting result in perspective: “There are things more important than a football match in life. You have to be a good person.”

For his part, “Flaco” López said the reunion with local residents was a refuge after the tournament. “Sharing a little time with him helps us forget what happened a few days ago. The greatest pride we have is coming from where we come from,” said the forward, who ended his remarks with a message of unity for the people: “We have to feel more than proud to be Argentine.” With this gesture, both footballers chose direct contact with the neighborhood to thank people for their support and to prioritize the group’s unity over the rumors.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.