Following the World Cup 2026 final, Spain midfielder Gavi has stated his belief that Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should not face suspension for his involvement in the post-match incidents. The confrontation occurred after Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina in New Jersey.
The match concluded with a series of altercations on the pitch as Spain’s substitutes ran on to celebrate their win. Nahuel Molina, an Argentinian right-back, was seen striking Spain’s Rodri near the halfway line. Rodri then turned to confront Molina, leading to a squaring-up between the two players.
Eric Garcia intervened in an attempt to de-escalate the situation between Rodri and Molina. Subsequently, Leandro Paredes entered the fray, attacking Garcia and sending him to the ground. Despite a linesman’s attempt to separate them, Paredes again confronted Garcia, grabbing him by the throat. Argentina’s coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, surrounded Garcia to protect him from his own teammate.
Paredes then shifted his attention to Gavi, pushing and pulling the Spanish midfielder. Argentina substitute Thiago Almada also became involved, leading to Gavi falling to the ground. Paredes then pushed Gavi down again as he tried to get back up.
FIFA has initiated a formal disciplinary investigation into the incidents, appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the events. Both players and the Argentine Football Association could potentially face sanctions. Despite being directly involved in the post-match chaos, Gavi expressed his view that a suspension for Paredes would be unnecessary.
Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE that while the image might not be ideal for children, such physical and aggressive elements are also part of football. He suggested that the most logical action would have been a sending-off during the match itself. FIFA’s commentator information system initially reported that Paredes had been sent off, but this was later corrected, with FIFA confirming no disciplinary action was taken at the time of the match. Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was dismissed during the final after receiving a second yellow card in added time during the second half.
Post-match repercussions and Gavi’s stance
The events following the final have led to a turbulent period for Argentina. In addition to the disciplinary investigation, Argentina has been removed from the top of the world rankings. Spain’s victory propelled them to the summit of the latest FIFA rankings. France, England, and Brazil complete the top five.
Gavi’s comments reflect a perspective that the intensity and physical aspects of football can sometimes lead to such confrontations. He reiterated that he does not believe Paredes should be suspended, viewing the incidents as part of the game. The Spanish midfielder’s intervention comes as FIFA’s investigation continues, with several Argentina players and staff members facing potential sanctions.
The world governing body is also investigating Argentina for displaying a banner with a political message after their semi-final victory against England. Despite the controversies and the disappointing end to their title defence, the Argentina squad received a warm reception upon their return home, with thousands of supporters gathering in Buenos Aires.
Team’s return and player absences
While the team was greeted by a military band and an open-top bus parade, Lionel Messi was a notable absentee. The Inter Miami star chose to fly separately to his hometown of Rosario instead of returning with the rest of the squad to Buenos Aires. Messi is expected to take advantage of a three-week break before resuming club duties in MLS.
Other players, including Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez, and Enzo Fernandez, also did not travel back with the main squad. Head coach Lionel Scaloni and veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi were among the first to disembark the team flight upon their return.
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Source: bbc.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
