Spain's World Cup triumph on Sunday was marred by ugly post-match scenes as Argentina players, led by Leandro Paredes, clashed with Spanish opponents at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The final descended into chaos after the final whistle, with multiple confrontations breaking out between the two sides.
Molina strikes first
As referee Slavko Vincic blew the full-time whistle, Spain's substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate. Argentina's Nahuel Molina then aggressively threw his arm out at Spain's captain Rodri near the halfway line, striking him. Rodri turned back and confronted Molina, and the two players squared up as teammates remained unaware.
Garcia and Paredes enter the fray
Spain's Eric Garcia saw the altercation and ran over to separate Rodri and Molina. However, Argentina's Leandro Paredes then sprinted across and attacked Garcia, sending him flying. The linesman attempted to intervene but failed. Garcia got up, only to be attacked again by Paredes, who grabbed him by the throat. Argentina's coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, surrounded Garcia to protect him from their own teammate.
Ganging up on Gavi
Paredes then turned his attention to Spain's 21-year-old midfielder Gavi. Paredes and Argentina substitute Thiago Almada pushed and pulled Gavi, ripping his training bib. Gavi fell to the floor and attempted to get back up before Paredes threw him down again.
Aftermath
Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle, with Argentina facing disciplinary proceedings. FIFA will investigate the post-match scenes before deciding whether to take action. Spain celebrated winning the World Cup for the second time in the country's history, despite the ugly scenes.
