Argentina World Cup winner Gonzalo Montiel accused of ‘sexually assaulting model at his birthday party’
WORLD Cup winner Gonzalo Montiel has been accused of sexually assaulting a model at his birthday party in his native Argentina.
Sevilla right-back Montiel is facing a complaint which has reportedly been filed with the courts in Buenos Aires.
Montiel was the player who scored the final penalty in the shootout against France – winning Argentina their first World Cup since 1986.
The 26-year-old has not yet commented on the accusations – but The Sun Online has contacted his club for a statement.
Argentine press reports Montiel has filed a document with the court appointing two lawyers as he plans to fight the allegations – publishing a scan of the file dated March 31, 2023.
Argentine, Spanish and French media report Montiel is alleged to have assaulted the woman on January 1, 2019, during a birthday party at his house.
The victim’s lawyer, Raquel Hermida, told Radio 10 that the allegations are “sexual abuse with penetration aggravated by a group of people”.
She explained the victim – who is understood to be a model – had been in a “small, short relationship” with Montiel, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Montiel was playing for River Plate at the time.
Montiel started his career at the club in 2016 – making 139 appearances and scooping the Copa Libertadores in 2018 and the Primera Division title in 2021.
He then signed for Sevilla on a fee of around £10million for the 21/22 season.
The right back has made 35 appearances for the club and scored one goal in La Liga.
His international career has seen him win both the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
During the final in Qatar, he conceded a penalty late in extra time after a handball – which Kylian Mbappe converted, pulling France back to 3-3.
The game then went to a penalty shootout- with Montiel driving a low ball to the left to give Argentina their third World Cup.