Argentina’s attempt to retain the World Cup ended in defeat and controversy as Spain claimed their second title in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute, securing a 1–0 victory for Spain after Argentina had been reduced to ten men. Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card late in normal time, according to FIFA’s official match report.
The scenes that followed the final whistle, however, became almost as prominent as the result itself.
Final whistle brings further disorder
Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the confrontation. Footage appeared to show the midfielder shoving and grabbing Eric García by the throat before becoming involved in another altercation with Gavi, who was thrown to the ground.
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Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala were also involved in separate confrontations as players and staff from both teams gathered on the pitch.
FIFA subsequently appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the post-match incidents. The individuals involved could still face suspensions, while the Argentine Football Association may also be fined.
Paredes was not shown a red card
Several broadcasts and media reports initially claimed that referee Slavko Vinčić had sent Paredes off after the final whistle.
That information was incorrect.
FIFA’s commentator information system mistakenly listed a red card before the entry was removed. As clarified by BBC journalist Dale Johnson and reported by SPORTbible, no red card was shown or subsequently rescinded.
Paredes will therefore not serve an automatic suspension arising from a dismissal. The claim that no further disciplinary action is expected is also premature, however, because his conduct remains part of FIFA’s wider investigation.
Ceremony gesture divides opinion
Further controversy followed when most of Argentina’s squad stood with their backs to the podium as Rodri lifted the World Cup.
The gesture was widely interpreted as a deliberate snub to the new champions. However, the players were facing a section of the stadium occupied by Argentina supporters, prompting an alternative explanation that they were acknowledging their fans and families rather than consciously refusing to watch Spain.
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Both interpretations have circulated since the final, as described by Goal. The images show where the players were facing, but do not establish their motive.
One Argentina player nevertheless chose a different position.
López remains focused on Spain
José Manuel López stayed facing the podium and watched Spain’s celebrations while his teammates looked towards the stands.
The Palmeiras forward’s quiet reaction quickly attracted praise on social media, with supporters describing it as a display of respect and sportsmanship in a difficult moment.
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López had played only 16 minutes during the tournament. His sole appearance came against Switzerland in the quarter-final, when he entered in the 110th minute and assisted Julián Álvarez’s winning goal, according to La Vanguardia’s account of his World Cup contribution.
He did not feature in the final, but the image of him watching Spain lift the trophy made him one of Argentina’s most discussed players after the defeat.
There is no evidence that López was defying an instruction from the coaching staff. What can be established is that he was the only Argentina player clearly shown facing the podium at the decisive moment.
Scaloni praises his players’ commitment
Lionel Scaloni defended the effort shown by his team during the final, although his comments did not directly address the confrontations or the trophy ceremony.
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“We are great in victory and must also be so in defeat,” Scaloni said in comments quoted by TyC Sports.
The Argentina coach acknowledged that Spain had been the better side but argued that his players had set an example through their commitment on the pitch.
Scaloni’s own future is also uncertain. His contract expires at the end of 2026, and he has indicated that his successful eight-year spell may be approaching its conclusion.
“I’ll stay until December, and after that I’ll most likely step aside,” he said, as reported by India Today.
If Scaloni does leave, Argentina’s defeat to Spain will represent a difficult final chapter. Amid the anger and controversy, López’s understated response offered a rare image of composure.
