The end of the decisive match between Argentina and Spain left several moments of tension on the field. One of the most talked-about episodes occurred in the center of the pitch, where a scuffle between members of both teams resulted in an image that quickly went viral on social media.
The photograph showed Roberto Ayala, assistant to Lionel Scaloni, in a struggle with Dani Olmo, a scene that generated multiple interpretations and sparked a heated debate after the world championship victory. "I am regretful," admitted the former defender.
Days after the match, Ayala publicly addressed the episode and took responsibility for what happened.
The former Argentine defender stated that, due to the role he occupies within the coaching staff of the National Team, he cannot let emotions take over during a moment of tension. "Obviously, I am regretful. Because of my position, I cannot allow a feeling or what I might receive from the other side to change my mood and my actions," he expressed.
While he accepted that he was involved in the incident, Ayala rejected the claims that he had punched the Spanish midfielder.
As he explained, the contact was the result of a push amid the scuffle and he considered that the situation was exaggerated. "It was more of a push than anything else, it wasn't a punch as they want to say, and that was it," he stated while trying to put an end to the controversy.
To close the matter, the member of the coaching staff that became world champions in 2022 assured that, if he has the opportunity to meet Dani Olmo again, he will personally offer his apologies.
