Midfielder Leandro Paredes became the center of controversy during the 2026 World Cup final, as he assaulted two Spanish players just moments after the final whistle at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In a dramatic match, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.
According to media reports, as soon as the match concluded, Paredes confronted defender Eric García, grabbing him aggressively by the neck and engaging in a heated argument right in front of the tournament's official broadcast cameras.
Coach Lionel Scaloni quickly intervened to separate the two, but tensions continued to rise.
Escalation Among Players
Gavi, García's teammate at FC Barcelona and on the Spanish national team, stepped in to support his colleague, challenging the Argentine midfielder. Thiago Almada initially tried to hold Gavi back, but Paredes shoved the young Spanish player to the ground, placing his hand on his face and forcefully pushing him into the grass.
Ultimately, the arrival of other players from both teams and Scaloni's presence prevented the incident from escalating further during this highly charged moment.
Social Media Outrage
Footage of the incident, captured by the World Cup's official broadcast, quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread outrage. Descriptions such as "shameful," "disgraceful," and "unacceptable" were directed at the Boca Juniors player's behavior.
Additional Confrontations
Paredes wasn't the only Argentine involved in post-match altercations. Team captain Nicolás Otamendi refused to shake hands with Rodri and confronted him, accusing, "You and Laporte have been complaining all week, trying to influence decisions," referring to the Spanish players' pre-final remarks about officiating. Otamendi also declined to greet Mikel Oyarzabal.
Match Highlights and Controversies
The match saw its share of controversies, including the expulsion of Enzo Fernández in the 93rd minute due to a second yellow card, leaving Argentina with ten players throughout extra time and paving the way for Spain's decisive goal.
Paredes' behavior has previous instances. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands, he infamously kicked the ball toward the Dutch bench, sparking a pitch invasion. In 2024, he admitted his actions lacked sportsmanship, saying, "We can say it now."
Also, during the 2026 quarter-final against Switzerland, Paredes was accused of simulating a foul against Breel Embolo, leading to the Swiss player's red card following a VAR review in the 72nd minute.
Spain claimed its second World Cup title, 16 years after their triumph in South Africa 2010, in front of 82,500 spectators in New Jersey.
Key Incidents and Reactions During the World Cup 2026 Final
What provoked Leandro Paredes' aggressive reaction?
Leandro Paredes reacted violently after the final whistle, confronting Eric García and later Gavi, due to the high tension and emotions following Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
How did social media react to Paredes' behavior?
The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many describing Paredes' actions as "shameful," "disgraceful," and "unacceptable."
What were the consequences of Enzo Fernández's expulsion?
Enzo Fernández's expulsion left Argentina with ten players during extra time, which facilitated Spain's decisive goal, ultimately leading to their victory in the World Cup final.