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Unai Simon Shows Class by Greeting Argentina Players After Final

After Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina in the World Cup final, Unai Simon crossed the pitch to shake hands with the beaten Argentina players one by one. His gesture stood out as a display of respect and sportsmanship in a tense and controversial finale.

Updated: 20 July 2026Permanent article link

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final to win the title again after 16 years. After the final whistle, while most of the Spain players rushed onto the pitch to celebrate, goalkeeper Unai Simon made a touching gesture: he crossed the field and walked over to the dejected Argentina players sitting on the ground, starting with Lionel Messi and shaking each of their hands one by one.

The scene stood in sharp contrast to images of clashes involving some players from both sides after the match. Simon's action was both a sign of respect for the opponent and an expression of empathy for the defeated side. In a brutal and controversial final, he used the simplest gesture to show the grace and sportsmanship expected of champions.

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