To say Argentina completely lost the plot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain would not be an exaggeration. Even amid the raging controversy over favourable refereeing decisions throughout the tournament, Lionel Messi-led Argentina had displayed remarkable grit and resilience to snatch win after win from the jaws of defeat to enter the final.
But, the title clash proved to be a different ball game. For a team that scored the second most number of goals in this edition, Argentina could not register even a single shot on target throughout the final. Spain, on the other hand, had 12. Argentina hardly showed any attacking intent or from the bench. It seemed that they were trying to take the match into penalties, but a moment of brilliance from substitute Ferran Torres sealed the match in Spain’s favour.
With Spain controlling the midfield and making forays into the final third with ease, Argentines resorted to heavy tackles and rough play out of frustration and to keep the Spanish attackers at bay. They got away with a couple of card-worthy fouls, especially the ones on Lamine Yamal by Nicolas Tagliafico and on Dani Elmo by Alexis MacAllister. But, their luck soon ran out as Slavko Vincic dished out the cards without hesitation.
The result? Six yellow cards and two red cards. There were much shoving and pushing between the players throughout the match, leading to several halts. England match hero Enzo Fernandez saw the red – he was first booked apparently for dissent and then got the second yellow for heavy foul on Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time, which sent the young defender flying.
But, the altercation did not end there. It boiled over after the final whistle, as midfielder Leandro Paredes, who came on as a second half substitute and had already earned a yellow card for pushing Elmo, got into a physical fight with Spain’s Gavi and Eric Garcia. Some of the other Argentine substitutes such as Thiago Almada and support staff, too, got involved. The video of the altercation soon went viral on social media.
What happened between Paredes and Spanish players?
Immediately after the final whistle, Spanish substitutes ran onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina reportedly struck Spain captain Rodri in the stomach as he ran past. As Rodri and Garcia confronted Molina, Paredes rushed into the fray. According to television footage, Paredes violently grabbed García by the throat and shoved him. He then turned his attention to Gavi, wrestling the young Spanish midfielder to the ground and pushing into his face.
Referee Vincic showed Paredes a red card for violent conduct.
What does FIFA’s laws say about banning players?
A lengthy suspension is highly probable. Because the altercation occurred at a FIFA tournament, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will automatically review the referee's official match report and video footage.
Under FIFA disciplinary codes, the post-match red card carries an automatic minimum one-match ban.
Because the actions involved physical assaults (throat-grabbing and throwing a player to the turf), the disciplinary committee is expected to extend the ban beyond one match.
FIFA can also dictate that his suspension applies to both upcoming international fixtures for Argentina and domestic club matches.
