Post-whistle scuffle mars Spain’s World Cup final win over Argentina
Rolling Stone reported that Leandro Paredes was sent off after a brief on-field clash following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Spain had barely sealed a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final when the celebration on the pitch was interrupted by a brief confrontation, according to Rolling Stone.
The magazine reported that the clash broke out shortly after the final whistle, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes at the center of the incident. Footage from the scene, shared on X by soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano, showed players from both teams bunching together as tempers rose.
Rolling Stone reported that Paredes was seen shoving Spanish player Eric García and grabbing him by the throat. The report said Paredes then went after Spain captain Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, widely known as Rodri.
Argentina’s Nahuel Molina also became involved, according to Rolling Stone, which reported that he was seen throwing jabs at members of the Spain squad during the confrontation.
BBC soccer analyst Alan Shearer, cited by Rolling Stone, said Paredes started the fight. Shearer claimed the midfielder “went for them” and threw “two or three haymakers into someone’s face.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni tried to step in as the confrontation unfolded, Rolling Stone reported. Scaloni attempted to separate his players before the incident grew worse, according to the report.
Red card after the final whistle
Paredes was shown a red card, Rolling Stone reported. That decision brings an automatic suspension for the next match he is due to play.
The report said additional punishment could still be possible, with public calls for Paredes to receive a longer ban. No further sanction was announced in the account published by Rolling Stone.
The scuffle came at the end of a final decided in extra time, with Spain beating Argentina 1-0. The result gave Spain the trophy, while Argentina’s night ended with both defeat and disciplinary fallout.
Rolling Stone did not include comments from Paredes, Molina, Scaloni, García, Rodri, Spain’s team officials or FIFA in its report.
This story draws on original reporting from Rolling Stone.