Shortly after Spain won 1-0 in extra timeBad events broke out all over the field in New Jersey. As Spain’s players and substitutes stormed off to celebrate, Argentina’s frustrations escalated in a dramatic fashion. The situation came immediately when the Argentine defender, Nahuel Molina was seen punching the Spanish captain Rodri, sparking an immediate confrontation. But the situation quickly escalated, and at the center of it all was Leandro Paredes.
The midfielder is already walking the disciplinary rope after being shown a red card during the game, he couldn’t control himself completely. He shoved Eric Garcia in the throat before getting into another brawl.
Paredes against Spain
If that wasn’t enough, Paredes then turned his attention to Gavi, dragging the young midfielder down in a wrestling-like fight. He grabbed her by the bib, she seemed to push herself in the face like Spanish players rushed to intervene. Spain’s Borja Iglesias piled into the rubble to protect his team-mate, as more bodies poured onto the scene in the post-match violence.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes is sure to get a lengthy if not permanent ban.
He lost the plot after the final whistle. pic.twitter.com/k6deIs2KW7
— Alex Tiffin (@RespectIsVital) July 19, 2026
Elsewhere, pictures appeared to be displayed Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala hitting the Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo. Amidst the frenzy, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni tried desperately to restore order, waving his finger and separating the players, but the damage was done.
‘It’s a shame’
“It’s a shame,” said pundit Gary Neville on ITV, while Alan Shearer didn’t mince words: “Paredes threw two or three grasshoppers in someone’s face. Joe Hart called the incidents “disgusting,” adding that “there was no place or space for that,” with Wayne Rooney admitting: “Does it surprise you? Criticism also extended to Argentina’s wider approach, with Lee Dixon calling their style “fighting football,” and Ally McCoist insisting Spain were “the only team trying to win this game.”
Look at this thug.
Leandro Paredes should be banned for a long time.
Can’t stand his team gave the worst result in the World Cup final in history.
What a sore loss pic.twitter.com/AFp7ToQMmm
— Red Army 68′ 🇾🇪 (@MUFC_RA) July 19, 2026
after the final whistle, leandro paredes attacked eric garcia, then hit gavi who tried to reduce the situation, lautaro martinez and messi then joined the attack 😳😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/wjGrXyyysS
— smith(fan)🦁 (@RMAsmithayo7sui) July 19, 2026
Look at the loser, Leandro Paredes should be banned for a long time. He could not afford Argentina producing one of the worst World Cup finals performances. Someone who lost to a tragic injury, and then people wonder why this Argentina team is so disliked pic.twitter.com/oCoY7kjica
– Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan (@AhmadRehanKhan) July 19, 2026
🚨🥊 Full action after the final whistle.@MickyJnr__ 🎥 pic.twitter.com/ZXCvAFkHwy
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2026
Leandro Paredes trying to fight all the Spanish players just because they lost the final is crazy 🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/JJzbtFnXfA
— Machala | RMFC 🐐 (@RMFCmachala) July 20, 2026
THINGS BOILED AFTER THE LAST BLOW! 🚨😡
Leandro Paredes and several Argentina players clashed after falling in the World Cup final, as tempers flared as the match drew to a close ❌🇦🇷#Argentina #LeandroParedes #WorldCup2026 #Football #The end pic.twitter.com/JPL1N5d24j
— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) July 19, 2026
Leandro Paredes was shown a red card after the final whistle as Argentina and Spain explode following the 2026 World Cup final 😳
Players and staff rushed to separate the two sides as Paredes appeared to grab the Spanish player by the neck during the scuffle.
Will FIFA give them a hand… pic.twitter.com/iC0HBYA2ea
– Wick Gone Wild (@WickGoneWILD) July 20, 2026
The shameful behavior of Leandro Paredes after the final whistle of the match between Spain and Argentina. 🤦🏻♂️❌ pic.twitter.com/xOt9Ocqwc6
– Pro_Foot HQ (@ProFoot_HQ) July 20, 2026
Leandro Paredes should be banned from international football for life for attacking Spanish players after the final whistle.
Indefensible felony robbery. pic.twitter.com/aW5NMMIUXE
– Adam Schwarz (@AdamJSchwarz) July 19, 2026
Leandro Paredes’ behavior was embarrassing, from when he entered the field in the second half to the post-match incident.
FIFA must take decisive action to send a very strong message that such behavior has no place in the fair game.
FAIR PLAY ✌️ pic.twitter.com/0HIiMb13Yp
— Queen Bee 👑 🐝 (@RealQueenBee__) July 20, 2026
Leandro Paredes laid hands on Gavi after the final whistle 😳 pic.twitter.com/Mlu3utNRJB
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 19, 2026
Lost in the chaos was an emotional picture of Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old, playing in what is expected to be his last World Cup, was seen shaking hands with Spain players before breaking down in tears as Argentina fans chanted his name.
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