FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina's Paredes involved in heated post-final confrontation with Spain's Garcia
New York, July 20
Argentina and Spain players were involved in a heated confrontation after the final whistle of the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, with Argentina's Leandro Paredes and Spain defender Eric Garcia at the centre of the incident, according to ESPN.
Spain secured a 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, handing La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title after their maiden triumph in 2010.
The match had already seen tempers flare, with Argentina reduced to 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the closing stages of normal time for a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. Lionel Scaloni's side also accumulated six yellow cards during the contest.
The tension carried over after the final whistle when Paredes confronted Garcia, appearing to place a hand on the Spain defender's throat, sending the Barcelona centre-back to the ground.
The incident quickly escalated into a scuffle involving players, substitutes and members of both coaching staffs before officials and teammates intervened to restore order, according to ESPN.
Paredes, who had entered the match as a substitute, had earlier been booked for a strong challenge.
Despite the altercation, the post-match scenes later turned more cordial, with several Spain players embracing Lionel Messi, while head coaches Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente shared a lengthy hug at midfield following the conclusion of the final.
Coming to the contest, Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their second FIFA World Cup title, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute after a headed assist from Nico Williams.
Despite making 12 saves, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could not prevent Torres' strike. Spain dominated possession and created most of the chances, while Argentina failed to register a single attempt during normal time and were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card late in regulation.
Spain's victory completed an unbeaten World Cup campaign and added the 2026 world title to their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.
During the clash, Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, both aged 19, became the fourth and fifth teenagers to feature in a FIFA World Cup final. They joined Brazil's Pele (17 in 1958), Italy's Giuseppe Bergomi (18 in 1982), and France's Kylian Mbappe (19 in 2018), with all five ending up on the winning side.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi also set a new record by becoming the oldest outfield player to appear in a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, surpassing Sweden's Gunnar Gren, who was 37 years and 241 days old when he played against Brazil in the 1958 final.
The 2026 final also marked Messi's third appearance in a FIFA World Cup final, having previously featured in the 2014 and 2022 editions. He became only the second player to reach that milestone after Brazil legend Cafu, who played in the finals of 1994, 1998 and 2002.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a neutral fan, this was thrilling! Spain's young guns - Yamal and Cubarsi - incredible. Reminds me of how we need to invest in grassroots football here. But Paredes putting hands on throat? That's assault, yaar. FIFA should ban him for a few matches. Very bad image for football.
Messi at 39 playing his third World Cup final... what a legend! But honestly, Argentina's tactics were too defensive. Spain deserved to win - their passing game was like watching Barcelona in their prime. And that hug between Scaloni and de la Fuente showed true respect. Paredes should take lessons from his coach. 👏
These South American teams get too emotional when they lose. Spain was clinical, dominant, and deserved champions. Paredes should face a lengthy ban - that throat grab was dangerous. On a positive note, amazing to see Messi's records even in defeat. Football is changing, and Spain is leading the way.
Yaar, why can't we have such exciting football in India? The passion, the drama, the skill - pure entertainment! But Paredes getting physical was too much. Even in our local gully cricket, we don't behave like that. Respect to Messi for handling the defeat gracefully. Spain's young team is the future! ⚽
Argentina's discipline was poor - 6 yellows and a red card. They were frustrated from the start. Paredes' behavior was embarrassing, especially after the final whistle. But credit to Spain - they kept their cool and played beautiful football
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