Argentina's Leandro Paredes Sees Red After Chaotic World Cup Final

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle following a mass confrontation that overshadowed Spain's 1-0 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.

The chaotic scenes erupted moments after Spain secured the title through Ferran Torres' extra-time winner. As Spain's substitutes rushed onto the field to celebrate, tensions boiled over between players from both sides, turning the conclusion of the tournament into an ugly confrontation.

As reported by Goal.com, Paredes became the central figure in the melee after aggressively confronting several Spain players. Television footage showed the Boca Juniors midfielder shoving Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before becoming involved in another clash with midfielder Gavi.

The altercation escalated as players and coaching staff from both teams gathered near the technical areas in an attempt to separate those involved.

The Independent revealed that the confrontation began when Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to lash out at Spain captain Rodri as the newly crowned champions celebrated on the pitch. Rodri confronted Molina, prompting Garcia to intervene before Paredes charged toward the Spain defender.

Paredes, who had already received a yellow card during the match, was subsequently shown a red card after the final whistle for his involvement in the incident. Earlier in the match, Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card during stoppage time in regulation.

The dismissals capped a disappointing night for Lionel Scaloni's side, who failed to register a single shot during the final and were unable to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar four years earlier.

The post-match violence drew widespread criticism from football pundits.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville described Argentina's conduct as unacceptable.

"It's a disgrace. I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, but it's been a disgrace the last few games," Neville said during ITV's coverage.

Former England striker Alan Shearer also condemned Paredes' actions.

"Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that," Shearer said on BBC.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart echoed the criticism, saying Argentina's reaction after the final whistle tarnished the occasion.

"The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour," Hart said, while adding that Spain fully deserved the title after dominating the final.

Despite the chaotic conclusion, Spain completed a historic World Cup campaign by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second men's World Cup trophy.

For Argentina, the defeat marked the end of their title defense and likely Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance. Messi, who scored eight goals during the tournament, later collected his runners-up medal before leaving the field as Spain celebrated their world title.

The incident is expected to place Argentina under further scrutiny after criticism over the team's conduct during previous knockout-stage matches, shifting attention away from Spain's achievement and toward the disciplinary fallout from the final.

Read: Full List of FIFA World Cup Golden Glove Winners from 1994 to 2026

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News