The World Cup final took a chaotic turn following the conclusion of extra time as Spain claimed victory. The events unfolded dramatically, leading to an unsightly clash between players from both teams.
It’s all over … or is it?
As referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle, Spain’s substitutes rushed onto the field to revel in their World Cup triumph alongside their teammates.
Molina strikes first
In a sudden escalation, Nahuel Molina lashed out at Rodri near the halfway line, striking Spain’s captain with a forceful swing of his arm.
… Rodri reacts
Rodri quickly turned back to confront Molina, the two players squaring off as their teammates remained oblivious to the brewing tension.
Eric Garcia gets involved
Seeing the confrontation, Eric Garcia rushed over in an effort to de-escalate the situation between Rodri and Molina.
… so too does Paredes
Leandro Paredes then decided to join the fray, charging at Garcia and shoving him aside. Despite the linesman’s attempts to separate the two players, the situation only intensified.
Paredes goes at Garcia again
After recovering, Garcia found himself under attack from Paredes yet again, who grabbed him by the throat while the linesman struggled to intervene. Argentina’s coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, rushed to Garcia’s side to shield him from his own teammate.
Ganging up on Gavi
Paredes then shifted his focus to Gavi, the 21-year-old midfielder. Gavi was pulled and pushed in various directions by Paredes and Argentinian substitute Thiago Almada, who even tore the Spaniard’s training bib.
As Gavi fell to the ground, he attempted to rise, but Paredes forcefully knocked him back down.
A happy ending
Following the final whistle, Leandro Paredes received a red card, and Argentina now faces potential disciplinary actions as FIFA plans to investigate the post-match incidents before determining any further consequences.
Meanwhile, Spain celebrated its second World Cup victory in the country’s history.
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