‘It’s a shame’: Argentina star sent off after grabbing Spain player by the throat in ugly World Cup final scenes

Spain’s Gavi, left, falls as he tackles Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada during the World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Spain’s historic World Cup triumph ended amid chaotic scenes after the final whistle when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card 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 the New York New Jersey Stadium to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ferran Torres scoring the winner. But moments after Spain’s celebrations began, tensions escalated into a mass confrontation that resulted in Paredes’ dismissal and left an otherwise memorable final marred by controversy.

The mood already started to rise during the match

Although the final yielded just one goal over 120 minutes, the match was fiercely contested throughout.Argentina were already reduced to 10 men in normal time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a wild challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.

Referee Slavko Vincic of Slovenia shows a red card to Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez (24) during the World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Earlier in extra time, Lionel Messi also became involved in an exchange with referee Slavko Vinčić, claiming that Marc Cucurella should be penalized after appearing to talk and cover his mouth during the exchange on the pitch.These incidents set the tone for an increasingly tense finish before the emotions completely spilled over once the final whistle confirmed Spain as world champions.

The Spanish celebrations became a flashpoint

As soon as Vinčić finished the match, the Spanish substitutes sprinted from the bench onto the pitch to celebrate with their teammates.According to reports, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to wave at Spain captain Rodrigo as the midfielder ran past him during the celebrations.Rodri immediately stopped and confronted Molina, with the two players exchanging words before Spain defender Eric García stepped in between them in an attempt to defuse the situation.Instead, the confrontation escalated.Paredes rushed to the scene and allegedly grabbed Garcia by the neck before shoving him as players from both teams converged on the incident.Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni quickly arrived and was seen trying to separate the players while gesturing for calm, but the confrontation continued to spread around the pitch.

A clash with Gavi leads to a red card

One confrontation was still taking place and another was quickly developing nearby.Spain midfielder Gavi tangled with Argentina’s Thiago Almada as Paredes turned his attention to the young Spaniard.Television footage appeared to show Paredes wrestling Gavi to the ground before grabbing his substitute’s bib and shoving him in the face.

A match between players and the end of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Several Spanish players immediately rushed to protect Gavi, while striker Borja Iglesias was among those who confronted the Argentine midfielder.Referee Vinčić witnessed the sequence unfold and had little hesitation.Paredes, who had already been booked during the match and had previously escaped what many believed could have been a second caution, was shown a straight red card after the final whistle for his involvement in the altercation.

Neville and Shearer condemn Argentina’s response

The scenes drew immediate criticism from TV pundits covering the finale.Speaking on ITV, former England captain Gary Neville said: “It’s a shame.“I mean he was lucky not to be sent off during the game. I love the competitiveness of the Argentines and they deserve a lot of credit for what they did in this tournament. They fought and scrapped for their lives every game.”“Even today when they were outclassed by a great footballing side. Messi has backed them up at times and they are very competitive and I love that element of them.”“But the last couple of games he’s just been an embarrassment and why have the refs allowed him to keep doing what he’s doing.BBC pundit Alan Shearer was equally critical after watching the footage.“Paredes threw two or three haymakers in someone’s face. He went for them,” Shearer said.“There is no place or space for that.“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. We’ve seen it too many times from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.

A bitter end to Argentina’s title defense

A chaotic final brought disappointment to Argentina’s bid to retain the World Cup.Lionel Scaloni’s side endured a tough knock-out campaign to reach a second consecutive World Cup final but were second best against a Spain side who dominated possession and eventually found the breakthrough in extra time through Ferran Torres.While Spain celebrated becoming world champions for the second time, Argentina’s players had to reflect not only on the defeat, but also on the ill-advised finish that culminated in Paredes being sent off at the final whistle.It was a night of visible emotion for Lionel Messi, widely expected to make his final World Cup appearance, as he applauded Argentina’s traveling fans before collecting his runners-up medal, while a post-match breakdown by several teammates threatened to overshadow another remarkable tournament for the defending champions.