ERC MP Gabriel Rufián reacted to Ferran Torres' goal that secured the World Cup for Spain with a critical message aimed at FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
ERC MP Gabriel Rufián did not join the wave of unanimous congratulations following Spain's victory in the World Cup. Minutes after Ferran Torres' goal that clinched the title for the national team, the independentist politician posted a message on social media that did not go unnoticed: "Spain 1 - Infantino 0", he wrote, clearly referring to the FIFA president, who is of Argentine origin.
A message that divides opinions
Rufián's reaction contrasted with that of most political leaders. While Pedro Sánchez, King Felipe VI, and other institutional representatives celebrated the triumph, the ERC MP chose a critical tone. In his tweet, Rufián avoided any mention of the national team or the players, focusing his target on the top football official in the world. Infantino, who has been linked several times to Argentine football, was the target of his irony.
The message, which quickly went viral, has generated mixed reactions. Some users applauded Rufián's critical stance, while others felt that the MP should have acknowledged the sporting merit of the team. "Always the same, politicising even football", commented a user on the same social network. Rufián, for his part, has not made any further statements on the matter.
The celebration in the Community of Madrid
Meanwhile, the Community of Madrid experienced a historic night. Thousands of fans gathered in the Plaza de Colón, where two giant screens broadcasted the match. Authorities closed traffic in the surrounding areas around 6:00 PM, overwhelmed by the massive arrival of supporters. Many had been there since five hours before the kickoff, braving a heat of 36 degrees. "
4-0; it was a breeze", a fan told the EFE agency before the match began.
In the municipalities of the region, the World Cup fever was also felt. Alcobendas, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Colmenar Viejo, Tres Cantos, and Miraflores set up screens in their squares. The southern corridor responded with the same energy: Alcorcón, Móstoles, Fuenlabrada, Leganés, Parla, and Pinto established viewing points for their residents. The opening of the gates sparked a rush among fans to secure the best spots, with 'Potra Salvaje' by Isabel Aaiún and Shakira's 'Dai Dai' entertaining the wait.
The match that secured the title
At the MetLife Stadium in New York, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time, claiming their second World Cup. The decisive goal was crafted by three players: a cross from Pedro Porro, a header extension from Nico Williams, and the final shot from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Luis de la Fuente's team dominated the match from start to finish, although the Argentine goal held firm for a long time. The expulsion of Enzo Fernández for a second yellow card left Argentina with ten men for the entire extra time and ultimately tipped the outcome.
In the VIP box, Pedro Sánchez watched the match alongside King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters. Before the start, Donald Trump greeted the Spanish Prime Minister and the monarchs. As soon as the final whistle blew, Sánchez took to social media to express his euphoria: "
WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!! Our team is amazing!", he posted. The streets already knew. From the squares of Madrid to the last municipalities in the region, Spain celebrated as only it knows how when it achieves the greatest victory.
For Madrid fans, the afterglow of the title will be long. This Monday, although it is not an official holiday, many will go to work wearing the national team's jersey or the Spanish flag. The victory has united a region that, for a few hours, forgot political differences and embraced in a collective hug. Rufián, with his message, has reminded us that football is also a stage for political disputes, but most residents of the Community of Madrid prefer to savour the taste of victory.
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