Talk about going down fighting! Argentina did exactly that, but literally.
After failing to muster even a single shot on target in a forgettable but tense outing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final yesterday, Argentina conceded a late extra-time goal to lose 0-1. Ferran Torres was Spain’s hero, smashing it into the top of the net off a Nico Williams assist.
Tensions were already high after Argentina was reduced to 10 men when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time. All hell broke loose shortly after the final whistle as several Argentine players got involved in physical confrontation with Spanish players, with defender Nahuel Molina sparking it off with a blow to Spanish captain Rodri, as he ran off to celebrate with his teammates.
Molina later crowded Rodri, who was also verbally targeted by his former Manchester City teammate, Nicolas Otamendi. Video footage of the incident showed Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, too, getting involved in the scuffle, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes at the centre of it all. Paredes appeared to shove Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat. When Spanish substitute Gavi stepped in to intervene, Paredes also pushed him to the ground. Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, and other players eventually rushed in to de-escalate the situation and separate those involved.
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi came under heavy criticism for not even trying to stop his players from having a go at the Spanish players, and chosing to walk away instead.
In a formal statement, FIFA confirmed its disciplinary committee “has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the (FIFA disciplinary code) with regard to the post-match incidents”. The announcement, however, did not offer a timeline for the probe or single out any players by name.
Interestingly, it was widely reported earlier that referee Slavko Vincic showed Paredes the red card for the post-match brawl. But, it has now come to light that it was incorrectly reported on FIFA's commentator information system that Paredes had been sent off for assaulting Garcia. Paredes's red card was deleted shortly afterwards and the global football body has confirmed to BBC Sport that no disciplinary action was taken.
Paredes, however, could still face a suspension depending on the outcome. Any other player or staff involved in the brawl too could face suspension, while the Argentine Football Association may also be fined.
Argentina came under further fire for unsportsmanlike conduct, after videos showed the players standing with their backs to the podium as the Spanish team lifted the World Cup trophy. The disrespectful gesture was widely criticised, particularly after Spain had given their opponents a guard of honour when they went to collect their runner-up medals.
Argentine players are already under FIFA’s scrutiny and face potential disciplinary action for holding a banner in support of their country's claims to the Falkland Islands following the 2-1 semifinal win against England.
What action can FIFA take?
By appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, world football's governing body can investigate offences in greater detail, going beyond just potential violent conduct. This increases the likelihood of a stronger punishment if players or their national association are charged and found guilty.
The investigation is likely to centre on Article 13 of the disciplinary code, which deals with offensive behaviour and upholding the principles of fair play. Under this rule, the actions of players and staff could be judged as "violating the basic rules of decent conduct" and "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or Fifa into disrepute".
In making its decision, the prosecutor will consider "both aggravating and mitigating circumstances", and importantly, it has the authority to enforce any ban globally.
Meanwhile, Argentine players Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Lisandro Martinez are likely to get a ban for holding the banner after the England game.
