‘He is a disgrace’: Argentina star sent off after choking Spanish player in ugly World Cup final scenes Football News
Spain’s historic World Cup victory ended in chaos after the final whistle when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was sent off following an ugly confrontation between several players from both teams.Luis de la Fuente’s side beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York’s New Jersey Stadium to claim the 2026 World Cup title, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. But tensions escalated into large-scale clashes shortly after Spain’s celebrations began, leading to Paredes’ sacking and an otherwise unforgettable final overshadowed by controversy.
During the game, tempers started to rise.
Although only one goal was scored in 120 minutes in the final, the competition was always extremely fierce.Argentina were reduced to 10 men later in normal time when Enzo Fernandez picked up a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Spanish defender Paulo Cubasi.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic shows Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez (24) a red card during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Earlier in overtime, Lionel Messi There was also a dispute with referee Slavko Vincic, who felt that Mark Cucurella appeared to cover his mouth when speaking on the field and should be punished.These events set the tone for an increasingly intense finale, with emotions not fully overflowing until the final whistle confirmed Spain as world champions.
Spain’s celebrations take center stage
After Vincic ended the game, the Spanish substitutes rushed onto the field from the bench to celebrate with their teammates.During the celebrations, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina reportedly appeared to wave his arm towards Spanish captain Rodri as the midfielder ran past him.Rodri immediately stopped to confront Molina and the two exchanged words before Spanish defender Eric Garcia stepped between them to try to calm the situation.Instead, the confrontation escalated.Paredes rushed to the scene, allegedly grabbed Garcia by the throat and pushed him as players from both teams gathered around the incident.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni arrived quickly and was seen trying to separate the players while making calming gestures, but the confrontation continued to spread on the pitch.
Clash with GAVI leads to red card
While one confrontation was ongoing, another soon unfolded nearby.Spanish midfielder Garvey tangled up with Argentina’s Thiago Almada as Paredes turned his attention to the young Spaniard.Television footage showed Paredes throwing Garvey to the ground, then grabbing the substitute’s bib and pushing it into his face.
Players scuffle between Spain and Argentina during the World Cup final soccer match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Several Spanish players immediately rushed to protect Garvey, with striker Borja Iglesias among those taking on the Argentine midfielder.Seeing this scene unfold, referee Vincic hardly hesitated.Paredes had already been booked during the game and had earlier escaped what many thought might have been a second yellow card, but he was shown a straight red card after the final whistle for his involvement in the altercation.
Neville and Shearer condemn Argentina’s reaction
The scenes drew immediate criticism from TV pundits covering the final.Former England captain Gary Neville told ITV: “He is a disgrace.“I mean, he was lucky not to get sent off in the game. I love the competitiveness of the Argentinians and they deserve high praise for what they’ve done in this tournament. Every game is a fight for life.”“Even today, when they were beaten by a great team. Messi backed them up at times, they were very competitive and I like that element of them.“But he’s been disgraceful in the last few games and that’s why the referee has allowed him to keep doing what he’s doing.”BBC commentator Alan Shearer was equally critical after watching the video.“Paredes threw two or three haymakers in someone’s face. He jumped on them,” Shearer said.“There’s no place or space to do that.“We know what it means for them, we know how painful it is to lose, but there is a way to lose. We’ve seen it so many times with Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle was terrible.”
Tragic ending to Argentina’s title defense
The chaotic ending brought a disappointing end to Argentina’s bid to defend their World Cup title.Lionel Scaloni’s side endured a tough knockout campaign and reached a second consecutive World Cup final, but they came up short against a Spain side that dominated possession and eventually found the breakthrough through Ferran Torres in extra time.As Spain celebrated becoming world champions for the second time, Argentina’s players had to reflect not only on defeat but also on a bad-tempered ending that ultimately saw Paredes sent off after the final whistle.For Messi, who was widely expected to play his final World Cup, the night ended with him applauding Argentina’s away fans before receiving his runners-up medal, and confusion among several teammates after the game threatened to overshadow another remarkable campaign for the defending champions.
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