In yesterday’s FIFA world cup final, Argentina defeated defending champions France in a thrilling encounter to win the cup after 36 years. It was the third title for Argentina. Both teams gave it their all in an entertaining game, as the match went to a penalty shootout. Even though the fans are terming it the most entertaining world cup final of all time, a few disagree. Senior tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg was not happy with the rules regarding the penalty kicks awarded during the game.

After the match, the American took to his Twitter account and shared his opinion. Here’s what happened next.

Lionel Messi fans call out Ben Rothenberg for downplaying his goal

Ben Rothenberg is a senior tennis journalist and is among the top reporters covering the sport. However, with the soccer world cup going on, the American switched his attention to it. Yesterday, in the final between Argentina and France, Rothenberg was not happy with the game’s penalty rule.

“The penalty just doesn’t fit the infraction whatsoever. A guy falls down near you and his teammate is awarded a point-blank shot in a sport where it’s otherwise super hard to score? Dumb rule. Second goal was great and nifty, but the penalty rules are terrible. Could improve!” Rothenberg wrote.

However, Messi fans were not happy with the American who downplayed their hero’s goal in the world cup final. Here are a few reactions from fans who reacted in anger.

Top Stories

Tennis World Grieves After Tragic Incident at Bondi Beach, Australia

ATP Forced Into Action After Players Raise Serious On-Court Safety Concerns

Stefanos Tsitsipas Breaks Silence As Family Twist Emerges in Serious Off-Court Drama

Nick Kyrgios’ Australian Open Wildcard Hangs in the Balance as Uncertainty Looms Large

Novak Djokovic Makes a Bold Coaching Move As He Looks the Challenge Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner in 2026

While Rothenberg called the soccer and its rules ‘d*mb’, a fan replied with silly rules that are there in tennis.

Read more: ‘Ready to Replace Neymar’- Rafael Nadal Casually Killing It in Soccer at an Airport Goes Viral Amid FIFA World Cup Fever

Another unimpressed fan wrote,

Another fan, recalling the popular picture of Nadal picking his trousers, wrote,

Finally, a fan agreed with Rothenberg. However, he also went ahead and indirectly mocked him by taking a jibe at American sports.

Another fan came up with a comparison of both sports globally, referring to the growing popularity of soccer.

While the observations seemed logical, the fans were in no mood to take soccer advice from a tennis expert, as it was a big moment with Lionel Messi probably playing in his last world cup, and finally winning it.

WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova moments that define their friendship

What do you think about Rothenberg’s observation? Let us know in the comments.