Argentina’s Paredes Engages in Controversial Altercation Following Spain’s World Cup Victory
Tensions escalated during a heated World Cup final as Argentina’s Leandro Paredes clashed with Spain’s Eric García after Spain’s 1-0 victory. The match witnessed five yellow cards and one red card issued to Argentina, as Spain clinched its second World Cup title while Argentina played with a man down in extra time. Following the final whistle, Paredes appeared unwilling to accept the score.
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Paredes, who had already received a yellow card amidst second-half tensions, confronted García amid Spain’s on-field celebrations. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni intervened, but Paredes responded by grabbing García by the throat and pushing him backward.
Replay footage reveals that Paredes then pursued Spain’s Gavi, pushing him to the ground.
Footage from the stands captures the full confrontation, which drew players from both teams but quickly subsided after Paredes shoved Gavi.
This incident capped off a match characterized by physicality and frustration for an Argentina squad that was unable to register a shot on goal while allowing twelve from Spain.
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Paredes Involved Earlier in the Match
Paredes was actively involved throughout the match, earning a yellow card early in the second half for pushing Rodri to the ground during gameplay, followed by additional shoves after the whistle.
Enzo Fernández was subsequently sent off due to a physical challenge which earned him his second yellow card in second-half stoppage time, leading to a red card.
Fernández’s expulsion forced Argentina to play the entirety of extra time a man short, allowing Spain to secure a decisive goal from Ferran Torres early in the second period of extra time.
As the match concluded, Argentina’s pursuit of a second consecutive World Cup title ended in disappointment, with Paredes still visibly frustrated after the final whistle.