Argentinian players involved in an ugly fight with Spanish players after losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina, on Sunday, July 19, failed to defend its title, losing the final to Spain at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
Ferran Torres scored the only, yet the most precious, goal in the extra time after both sides failed to net the ball in the 90-minute game.
After the final whistle as Spain began to celebrate a hard-earned and long-awaited victory, things got heated after players were involved in a dirty fight.
Leandro Paredes and Eric García's physical confrontation
As Spain's substitutes ran onto the field to celebrate victory, Argentinians failed to keep cool and got involved in a physical fight with Spanish players.
Argentinian defender Nahuel Molina swung a punch into Spain captain Rodri's stomach. While midfielder Leandro Paredes was seen shoving Eric Garcia by the throat, leaving the Barcelona defender floored by the force of the impact.
The clash sparked a further scuffle between players from both sides, including substitutes and coaching staff, before the players were separated, ESPN reported.
Argentinian players' clash sparks reactions
The violent scene on the field sparked widespread reaction as Argentinian players were hit with backlash for their “sore loser” behavior.
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart labelled Argentina’s behavior “disgusting.”
While Gary Neville said on ITV, “It's a disgrace. I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives. Messi has propped them up, but it’s been a disgrace the last few games.”
Alan Shearer said on BBC, “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that. We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose.”
Furthermore, following the fight, most of the player and coach interactions were peaceful, with Spain stars coming up with Lionel Messi.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni and Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente shared a long hug at midfield.
