Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gavi has addressed one of the biggest talking points from the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, sharing his thoughts on the heated confrontation with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes after the final whistle.

The World Cup final was remembered not only for Spain ending their 16-year wait to lift football’s biggest prize but also for the chaotic scenes that unfolded once the match had ended. 

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One of those incidents involved Gavi, who found himself at the centre of the post-match scuffle after attempting to calm tensions involving teammate Eric Garcia.

Although emotions were running high on both sides, the Barcelona midfielder has now offered a mature response, making it clear that he does not want the controversy to continue despite believing the situation could have been handled differently during the match.

Gavi explains why Paredes should not face punishment

Speaking about the incident, Gavi was asked whether he believed FIFA should impose further disciplinary action on Leandro Paredes.

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The Spain international insisted he does not support a retrospective suspension, even though he acknowledged that the scenes were far from ideal for football’s image.

Gavi was involved in a scuffle with Leandro Paredes. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Giving his honest opinion, Gavi said.

“No, no. To be honest, I don’t think they should be suspended. I understand it doesn’t set a good example for the kids, but I think there’s also that side to football that’s a bit more violent. 

“Perhaps the most logical thing for me would be to send him off during the match and leave it at that. 

“But as I say, at the end of the day I think it’s all part of football, and it has to stay that way,” he said, as per Mundo Deportivo.

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The exchange has been one of the most-discussed moments involving Spain and Argentina since the final, with many supporters divided over whether stronger punishment was warranted.

FIFA decision brings end to controversial incident

Tensions flared in the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The controversy gained even more attention after FIFA reviewed the events that took place immediately after the final whistle.

The governing body decided to overturn the red card shown to Leandro Paredes following the confrontation between members of the Spain and Argentina squads. 

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The altercation erupted shortly after Spain secured the World Cup title, ending a 16-year wait to become world champions once again.

Gavi became involved only after trying to intervene during another confrontation involving Eric Garcia, but the incident escalated as players from both teams gathered in a heated exchange.

Despite the tension, however, neither side has shown much interest in keeping the dispute alive.