Argentina lose control after final whistle
Argentina’s attempt to retain the World Cup ended with a 1–0 extra-time defeat to Spain, but the result was quickly overshadowed by a series of confrontations after the final whistle.
According to FIFA’s official match report, substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second world title.
Argentina had already been reduced to ten men. Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card in the 93rd minute following a late challenge on Pau Cubarsí, forcing Lionel Scaloni’s team to play the entirety of extra time with a numerical disadvantage.
Argentina also completed normal time without registering a single attempt at goal. Their frustration appeared to boil over once the match had ended.
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Footage appears to show Paredes grabbing Spain defender Eric García high around the neck before becoming involved in a separate confrontation with Gavi, whom the Argentine midfielder forced to the ground.
Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Rodri in the stomach during another altercation, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was filmed appearing to hit Dani Olmo in the face. These incidents remain allegations under investigation, and FIFA has not yet determined whether disciplinary offences were committed.
Confusion surrounds reported red card
Paredes had already been booked during the match, and FIFA’s live commentary system initially indicated that he received a second yellow card and subsequent red after the final whistle.
According to SportBible, the entry was later removed from FIFA’s records. Paredes should therefore not be described as having officially received a red card unless FIFA confirms otherwise.
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The correction does not prevent retrospective action. Under Article 14 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, violent conduct or assault can result in a suspension of at least three matches.
Such a punishment remains only a possibility. It will depend on how the prosecutor assesses the footage and whether FIFA finds that Paredes or any of the other individuals breached its rules.
FIFA appoints disciplinary prosecutor
FIFA has formally opened an investigation into the scenes that followed Spain’s victory.
According to ESPN, the disciplinary committee reviewed the match reports before appointing a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor under Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
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The prosecutor will investigate “potential breaches” connected to the post-match incidents before submitting a report to the disciplinary committee. Further details will only be released once that work has been completed.
The wording is important. FIFA is investigating what happened, but it has not publicly charged Paredes, Molina, Ayala or any other individual.
Paredes addresses defeat but ignores clashes
Paredes subsequently published an emotional message about Argentina’s defeat and the team’s unsuccessful attempt to win consecutive World Cups.
“I was proud to be part of the greatest Argentina national team in history,” Paredes wrote, according to the statement reproduced by La Nación.
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The midfielder thanked Argentina’s supporters, players and staff, but his message did not mention the confrontations or offer an apology for his apparent involvement.
That omission has attracted criticism, although it should not be presented as evidence in the disciplinary case. FIFA must establish precisely what happened before deciding whether sanctions are justified.
What should have been Spain’s moment of celebration ended with the new world champions surrounded by angry opponents and FIFA preparing a formal disciplinary case. Argentina lost the trophy on the pitch, but the consequences of their reaction may extend well beyond the final.
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