‘He’s a disgrace’: Argentina star sent off after grabbing Spain player’s neck in ugly World Cup final scenes | Football news

Spain’s Gavi, left, falls while fighting with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Spain’s historic FIFA World Cup triumph ended amid chaotic scenes after the final whistle, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shown a straight red card after an ugly clash involving 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 win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. But moments after Spain’s celebrations began, tensions escalated into a mass brawl that resulted in the sacking of Paredes and left an otherwise memorable final overshadowed by controversy.

Temperatures have already started to rise during the match

Although the final resulted in only one goal in 120 minutes, the fight was fierce.Argentina were already reduced to 10 men late in regulation when Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.

Referee Slavko Vincic of Slovenia shows a red card to Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez (24) during the World Cup soccer 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 overtime, Lionel Messi also got involved in an exchange with referee Slavko Vinčić, arguing that Marc Cucurella should be penalized after he appeared to be covering his mouth during the on-field exchange.Those incidents set the tone for an increasingly heated conclusion before emotions ran high after the final whistle confirmed Spain as world champions.

The Spanish celebration became a focal point

As soon as Vinčić finished the game, the Spanish substitutes rushed from the bench to the field and celebrated with their teammates.According to reports, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to wave his arm at Spain captain Rodrigo as the midfielder ran past him in celebration.Rodri immediately stopped and confronted Molina, with both players exchanging words before Spain defender Eric García stepped between them in an attempt to defuse the situation.Instead, the conflict escalated.Paredes rushed towards the scene of the crime and allegedly grabbed García by the neck before pushing him as players from both teams gathered around the incident.Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni arrived quickly and was seen trying to separate the players while gesturing for calm, but the conflict continued to spread around the pitch.

A clash with Gavi leads to a red card

With one conflict still unfolding, another quickly developed nearby.Spanish midfielder Gavi tangled with Argentina’s Thiago Almada when Paredes turned his attention to the young Spaniard.Television footage emerged showing Paredes wrestling Gavi to the ground before grabbing him by the spare vest and shoving him in the face.

Players brawl at the end of the World Cup final soccer match 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.Witnessing the outcome, Judge Vinčić was a little hesitant.Paredes, who had already received a yellow card during the game and earlier escaped what many believed could have been a second booking, was shown a straight red card at the final whistle for his involvement in the brawl.

Neville and Shearer condemn Argentina’s reaction

The scenes immediately drew criticism from television experts who followed the finale.Speaking on ITV, former England captain Gary Neville said: “He’s a disgrace.“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 have done in this tournament. Fighting and fighting for their lives every game.“Even today when they were outplayed by a great football team. Messi supported them at times and they are very competitive and I love that element of them.“But he’s been a disgrace the last couple of games and why have the refs let him keep doing what he’s doing.”BBC pundit Alan Shearer was equally critical after reviewing the footage.“Paredes threw two or three hay bales in somebody’s face. He went at them,” Shearer said.“There is neither place nor 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 finish brought a disappointing conclusion to Argentina’s bid to retain the World Cup.Lionel Scaloni’s side battled through a tough knockout campaign to reach a second consecutive World Cup final, but they were second best against a Spain side who dominated possession and eventually succeeded in extra time through Ferran Torres.While Spain celebrated becoming world champions for the second time, Argentina’s players were left to reflect not only on the defeat, but also on the poor finish that culminated in Paredes being sent off after the final whistle.Lionel Messi, who was expected to make his final appearance at the World Cup, ended the night with visible emotion as he applauded the Argentina fans before collecting his runner-up medal, while a post-match riot involving several teammates threatened to overshadow what has been another outstanding tournament for the defending champions.