Beltran s.

It was Argentina vs. Colombia. Ten minutes remained and the match had already turned into a battle. Every time Santiago went to take a goal kick, the Colombian striker took advantage of the opportunity to get past him.

—How is your wife doing? Is she still traveling alone?

Santiago did not respond.

Minutes later he returned.

—No wonder you never bring her to Colombia... they wouldn't let her come back with you.

The referee continued the game.

From the stands, I could already tell that Santiago was starting to lose patience.

In the eighty-fifth minute, Argentina scored the second goal.

The whole team went out to celebrate.

Except for Santiago.

The Colombian walked past him and, with a provocative smile, murmured just enough for only him to hear.

—Whenever you want to send her to me... I know how to handle her.

Santiago turned around immediately.

—What did you say?

The other one smiled.

—What you heard.

In less than a second he pushed him by the chest.

The Colombian responded with another shove and the two ended up face to face, shouting all sorts of things at each other while the players ran to separate them.

"Call me whatever you want, but don't you ever mention my wife again!" Santiago shouted, completely out of control.

The referee came running.

Red for both.

While they were taking him off the field, Santiago kept trying to get back on.

—Don't hide now! Repeat what you said!

The images traveled around the world.

After the game, the journalists were waiting for him.

—Beltrán, was it worth getting yourself expelled?

Santiago took a deep breath.

-No.

-So?

He stared intently at the camera.

—There are insults that are part of football.

He paused.

—But when a rival crosses the line and disrespects my family, it stops being football.

I do not justify my reaction.

But I'm not going to pretend nothing happened either.

That night FIFA opened a disciplinary case.

And although Santiago received a one-match suspension...

The video where he defended his wife ended up being much more remembered than the expulsion.