Argentina and Spain react after World Cup final amid brawls and trophy lift incidents

Lamine Yamal teased Argentina star Leandro Paredes (Picture: Shutterstock/Instagram) Lamine Yamal poked fun at Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes during Spain’s open-top bus parade following their World Cup victory on Sunday. Yamal played all 120 minutes at the MetLife Stadium as Luis de la Fuente’s side beat Argentina 1-0 courtesy of Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike. It was hardly a classic encounter, with Argentina failing to register a single shot on goal in normal time before eventually conceding after going down to ten men following Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal. And the defending champions let their emotions boil over at full-time, with several Argentine players and coaches appearing to attack their Spanish opponents shortly after the whistle. Get personalised football updates every day Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more direct to your inbox every morning. Nahuel Molina initially punched Spain captain Rodri in the chest as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate, while in a separate incident Molina and his Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes were seen grabbing Spain midfielder Gavi by the neck and throwing him to the floor. FIFA have since opened an investigation into the spate of violent outbursts from Argentina’s players and coaches, with assistant coach Roberto Ayala also facing possible repercussions for striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. And while Spain’s players showed commendable restraint throughout the chaotic post-match scenes, La Roja had clearly not forgotten the incidents when they returned to the streets of Madrid to celebrate their victory. Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes attacked Spain midfielder Gavi (Picture: Getty) During the parade, Barcelona star Yamal was captured holding up a sign poking fun at the scrap between Paredes and Gavi, which read: ‘Velada del Año: Paredes vs Gavi.’ La Velada del Año is a celebrity crossover boxing event held regularly in Spain, which attracts millions of viewers on the streaming platform Twitch. An estimated two million people were in attendance for the parade as Spain’s players made their way through the streets of Madrid to a celebration at the Plaza de Cibeles. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbByEMVAjkR/?img_index=2 Speaking at the event, Spain’s head coach De la Fuente said: ‘Thank you Spain for supporting us, for being here. We are lucky to have 26 fantastic people who are also fantastic footballers, the best in the world. ‘For me, it is an honour to manage them and share this moment with my coaching staff. Together we are stronger, don’t forget that. Long live Spain!’ Manchester City midfielder and Golden Ball winner Rodri added: ‘We are world champions. Long live the mother who gave birth to me, long live the mothers who gave birth to us. Long live the King. Long live Spain.’ Yamal and Lionel Messi spoke at full-time (Picture: Getty) Spain’s monarch King Felipe was also keen to praise his side’s efforts against a rough Argentinian side, insisting: ‘You’ve suffered, you’ve come home bruised and tired, you’ve endured some criticism, but what is all that compared with the joy of bringing the cup home?’ Elsewhere, Yamal also revealed the contents of his conversation with Lionel Messi after the two players exchanged a warm embrace at full-time on Sunday. ‘He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to. After the match, I wanted to show him my respect. ‘He told me to keep following my path and that the future belongs to our generation. Those words are worth as much as the gold medal hanging around my neck.’ Yamal added: ‘If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be here lifting the World Cup after playing against Lionel Messi, I would have thought they were crazy.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

Emi Martinez was crestfallen after Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final (Picture: AFP or licensors) Emiliano Martinez warned his teammates they were guilty of adopting cowardly tactics in their World Cup final defeat against Spain. Argentina’s run to a second successive final had been characterised by a never say die attitude and a front-footed, full throttle style of football with captain Lionel Messi the team’s driving force. Lionel Scaloni’s men were, however, a pale imitation of themselves on Sunday evening and were comfortably outmaneuvered by a Spain side that eventually scored the decisive goal their dominance merited in extra time. The writing had been on the wall in the opening period, during which Argentina failed to register a solitary shot on Unai Simon’s goal. Things hardly got better after the break with the Spanish No.1 remaining untested, even after Martinez pointedly told his teammates they had adopted an approach that had been playing into Spanish hands. ‘Come on, with heart, boys, hey,’ said the Aston Villa goalkeeper in a speech made during the interval. ‘Playing with heart means driving forward, not going backwards, forward. Forward, forward, forward, forward. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page ‘Cowards play backwards, let’s move forward. Three passes and we find Leo, let me see us build it from the back too.’ Messi, too, attempted to rally his troops adding: ‘Come on, boys, character, everyone, character. We’ve always had it, aren’t we going to show it now? ‘Come on, hey. Character to play, let’s play our football, let’s play, come on.’ Unfortunately, for Argentina those words fell on deaf ears as their campaign ended in ignominy and disgrace. Leandro Paredes and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were both guilty of throwing punches at Spanish players, while the entire squad turned their backs on the newly crowned world champions during their trophy lift. Paredes shoved Gavi to the ground during Spain’s celebrations (Picture: Getty Images) Paredes kicked Eric Garcia as he pushed him over after the match (Picture: Getty Images) There has been little sign of remorse, however, with Paredes particularly unrepentant. He wrote on Instagram: ‘THANK YOU, ARGENTINA!!! I LOVE YOU, TODAY AND ALWAYS 💙 Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves 😔—but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! 💪🏽 ‘Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team—to this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! 💪🏽 ‘It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

Spain prevailed in extra-time to beat the holders Argentina (Picture: Getty) Rodrigo De Paul has hit out at rival fans for supposedly spreading ‘baseless conspiracy theories’ about his Argentina side during their World Cup campaign. Argentina had the chance to become the first team in 64 years to successfully defend the title at the weekend after coming from behind to beat England in the semi-finals. But it was heartbreak for Lionel Messi and Co in what was a scrappy and bad-tempered contest against Spain, with Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike proving the difference at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Violent clashes between the two sets of players threatened to overshadow Spain’s celebrations after the final whistle, as Leandro Paredes became the second Argentinian sent off following Enzo Fernandez’s earlier red card. Get personalised football updates every day Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more direct to your inbox every morning. Soon after, though, Luis de la Fuente’s men – who conceded just one goal across the entire tournament – were able to move on from the ugly scenes to hold the coveted prize aloft for a second time in the nation’s history. Argentina’s gamesmanship and questionable tactics have since been met with a ferocious backlash, with FIFA sanctions potentially looming as a consequence of the ill discipline displayed on Sunday. Lionel Scaloni was defiant in the face of such criticism, insisting his squad had set a ‘great example for our people and country’ while ‘showing how to lose’ – despite the fact they had shamefully turning their backs during Spain’s trophy lift. Substitute Torres scored the only goal of the game in New Jersey (Picture: Getty) Paredes became the second Argentina player to be shown a red card after the final whistle (Picture: Getty) Argentina midfielder De Paul was similarly forthright as he took to Instagram to make his feelings clear this morning, writing: ‘The deepest pain comes from not being able to bring the World Cup trophy back to our country once again, because if anyone deserved to experience that feeling again, it was you. ‘But as the hours pass, I’m realising that the bond you share with this team goes far beyond the trophy itself – and that is what I’m holding onto to help me get through this moment. ‘Today, I look at how many people were waiting for this fall, spreading baseless conspiracy theories throughout the World Cup just to soothe their own pain at not being able to experience what we Argentines were living through – because our smiles bother them, because our ways get under their skin…’ https://www.instagram.com/p/DbB8i4aD2k0/?hl=en&img_index=1 De Paul suggested the negative comments directed at Argentina’s squad from the rest of the footballing world had only strengthened the bond within the group. ‘All that did was reaffirm that the passion and love for our jersey can overcome anything,’ he added. ‘It will hurt for a long time, but today, more than ever, I am proud to be ARGENTINE.’ Fernandes was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 93rd minute (Picture: Getty) A day earlier, Messi spoke of his ‘immense pain’ at being denied a second World Cup triumph, four years on from Argentina’s victory in Qatar. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was pictured in tears at the full-time whistle after what had been an unforgettable campaign at the age of 39, in which he finished with eight goals and four assists to his name. ‘The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,’ Messi told his followers on social media. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page ‘But I also hold onto all the good things… the matches we turned around by giving it our all – moments that will remain in our memories forever – and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again. ‘It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.’ The legendary Inter Miami forward continued: ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.‘I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

Leandro Paredes is unapologetic for the violence after the World Cup final (Picture: Getty Images) Argentina hatchet man Leandro Paredes has a ‘chest full of pride’ after narrow defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, which saw him involved in an ugly post-match brawl. A strange final in New Jersey saw Spain crowned world champions thanks to a 1-0 win after extra time. Ferran Torres finally made the breakthrough in a match they dominated but could not put to bed, despite Argentina not managing a single shot on target in 120 minutes. Argentina were typically physical with Spain as they looked to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm by whatever means necessary. Get personalised football updates every day Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more direct to your inbox every morning. Paredes is the embodiment of those roughhouse tactics, coming on at half time and finding himself in the referee’s notebook by the 52nd minute. He was lucky not to be booked again after a string of fouls while he was on a yellow but somehow survived till the final whistle, when he really disgraced himself. The Boca Juniors midfielder was involved in a post-match brawl which saw him shove Eric Garcia in the throat and toss Gavi to the ground. FIFA has launched an investigation into the incidents. Paredes shoved Gavi to the ground during Spain’s celebrations (Picture: Getty Images) It was reported at the time that Paredes was given a red card after the match, but it has since been confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken, but he could face some after FIFA’s investigation takes place. There was no mention of any of this when Paredes spoke out after the game, though, hailing his teammates and Argentina’s fans for their support at this summer’s epic event. He wrote on Instagram: ‘THANK YOU, ARGENTINA!!! I LOVE YOU, TODAY AND ALWAYS 💙 Paredes kicked Eric Garcia as he pushed him over after the match (Picture: Getty Images) ‘Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves 😔—but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! 💪🏽 ‘Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team—to this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! 💪🏽 ‘It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.’ Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card shortly before the end of normal time, making his team’s task all the more difficult against a dominant Spain side. He had a similar message to Paredes, with seemingly no regret and certainly no apology. Enzo Fernandez got a second booking for sending Pau Cubarsi flying (Picture: Getty Images) ‘As time passes, you realise there is something much bigger than a result,’ Fernandez said. ‘For years, this group has represented our country in the best possible way. ‘It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up. Being part of this group, which has always stood up, competed to the very end, and defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment, is something I’ll always cherish. ‘I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for your affection, for your unconditional support, and for making us feel at home no matter where we are in the world. ‘Wearing my country’s shirt is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give everything I have every time I’m called upon to defend it.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

Lamine Yamal hugged Lionel Messi after the World Cup final (Picture: Getty Images) Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi shared a moving hug after Sunday’s World Cup final and the Spanish superstar has revealed what the Argentina legend told him. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in New Jersey on Sunday, with Ferran Torres calmly putting away the winning goal on 106 minutes. It was an odd game, which saw the South Americans fail to have a shot at goal in 90 minutes and not manage one on target in the full 120. The Europeans were in full control, but could not put the stubborn defending champions away, until Torres finally broke through. Get personalised football updates every day Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more direct to your inbox every morning. There were ugly scenes after the final whistle as some Argentina players and staff landed blows on Spanish stars, with FIFA launching an investigation. However, Messi stayed out of all that and instead embraced Spain’s young star Yamal, who is already a European and now World champion at just 19 years old. It was a lovely moment as the 39-year-old appeared to pass the baton to the teenager and Yamal has revealed the special words that were shared. It was a nice moment between former and current Barcelona star (Picture: Getty Images) Yamal said, via Spanish publication Marca: ‘He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to. After the match, I wanted to show him my respect. ‘He told me to keep following my path and that the future belongs to our generation. Those words are worth as much as the gold medal hanging around my neck.’ Yamal added: ‘If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be here lifting the World Cup after playing against Lionel Messi, I would have thought they were crazy.’ Lamine Yamal 🤝 Lionel MessiThe heroes of both nations embrace at full-time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xM2cCoroYY— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 19, 2026 Messi posted a message on social media on Monday expressing the deep pain of losing what will almost certainly be his last match at a World Cup. ‘The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,’ he wrote on Instagram. ‘But I also hold onto all the good things… The matches we turned around by giving it our all—moments that will remain in our memories forever—and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again. It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals. ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine. ‘I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes made fools of themselves after the final whistle (Picture: EPA) FIFA have launched an investigation into potential breaches of their disciplinary code after Argentina sparked violent scenes following World Cup final defeat to Spain. A strange final in New Jersey was won 1-0 by Spain after extra time, with Ferran Torres the hero on 106 minutes. The European champions were clearly the better side, limiting the South American kings to almost no offence, but Spain could not land the killing blow. The Lionel Messi-led side did not produce a single shot in 90 minutes and didn’t manage one on target over 120 as they struggled to deal with Spain’s control. Get personalised football updates every day Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more direct to your inbox every morning. Argentina did try to make their presence felt by being very physical, as they always are, with Enzo Fernandez going too far and picking up two bookings in quick succession just before the 90 minutes came to an end. Even after the match was over, the beaten players did not end the physicality, with Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina especially culpable. Molina shoved Rodri as the Spain star celebrated, sparking a brawl in which Paredes lost what little control he possesses and chucked Gavi on the ground. Nahuel Molina sparked a clash with Rodri (Picture: Reuters) There was even a confrontation between Argentina coach Roberto Ayala and Dani Olmo which saw the former defender punch the Spain star. FIFA have now looked into the match reports and have launched an investigation into the incidents. A statement read: ‘Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents. ‘Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.’ EL RATÓN AYALA VS DANI OLMO. 😳🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/xExkw8Ac4x— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) July 20, 2026 Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart slammed the behaviour of some of the Argentina players and staff, although noted that Lionel Messi had nothing to do with it. ‘There was a man on the pitch who did have class, and that was Lionel Messi who shook hands with each one of those Spanish players,’ Hart said on the BBC. ‘The game is done and Argentina can have no complaints over what happened today. It was disgusting behaviour. Rodri didn’t need to get in their faces but when you’ve been wound up for 120 minutes and you felt you’ve been wronged and you’ve got that win, leave it. ‘With Argentina, you’re not surprised they’ve crossed the line again.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source