Alternative footage has revealed the extent of Leandro Paredes’ shocking conduct after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final.
Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal in extra time to hand Spain their second World Cup title, comfortably outclassing an Argentina team that failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match.
- Watch: Shocking moment Gavi was beaten up by Leandro Parades
- Watch: Moment Argentina coach punched Dani Olmo during World Cup final
Argentina were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez picked up two needless yellow cards, with the second coming after a late tackle on Pau Cubarsi.
With a man disadvantage, Argentina offered little attacking threat, and their disciplinary issues worsened after the final whistle when Paredes was also sent off for his behaviour.
The Boca Juniors midfielder had already been booked shortly after coming on at half-time and was heavily involved in several reckless challenges.
Alternate angle of the altercation between Paredes and Spanish players
by
u/zcraber in
soccer
However, his actions escalated as Spain began celebrating their victory.
Gary Neville described Paredes as a “disgrace” on ITV after cameras caught him throwing punches at Gavi before wrestling the Barcelona midfielder to the ground.
Additional footage shared on social media showed that before confronting Gavi, Paredes charged at Eric Garcia, shoving and kicking the Spanish defender and knocking him to the ground.
He then grabbed the former Manchester City centre-back by the throat before turning his attention to Gavi in a complete loss of control.
Referee Slavko Vincic, who was taking charge of the final match of his officiating career, responded by issuing Paredes a second red card.
Tensions also erupted in other parts of the pitch during Spain’s celebrations. Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Spain captain and Golden Ball winner Rodri as he returned to the field, while players from both teams became involved in heated confrontations.
Another disgraceful incident reportedly saw Argentina coach Roberto Ayala strike Spain’s Dani Olmo.
Lionel Messi avoided getting involved in the chaos, while Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni attempted to calm the situation and pull players apart.
Speaking after the match, Olmo criticised the conduct of Argentina’s players and coaching staff, saying, “they should also be role models in everything and for the better”.
Argentina escaped punishment after displaying a Falklands banner following their victory over England, but Paredes could now face a lengthy suspension because of his behaviour after the final whistle.
FIFA are expected to investigate the incidents, and any ban handed to Paredes would likely extend to Argentina’s future competitive fixtures.
FIFA’s regulations state: “Any suspension that cannot be served during the FIFA World Cup 26 will be carried over to the representative team’s next official match in accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
Adding to the criticism of Argentina’s conduct, the squad turned their backs as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy, choosing instead to focus on acknowledging their own supporters in the stands.
