Read 4 minutesUpdated: 22 July 2026 12:09 PM IST
The full-time whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey may have brought joy for Spain and misery for Argentina, but an ugly brawl between players from both sides left soccer fans around the world with a sour taste. There was chaos, abuse and chaos after Spain dominated the summit clash to win their second FIFA World Cup title.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbed Spain defender Eric García by the throat, which involved players, substitutes and members of both coaching staffs. After an altercation, Gavi was dragged to the ground by Pardes in a dirty act. FIFA has launched an investigation into the post-match incidentsIt has been suggested that several Argentine players could face bans for their actions.
However, Gavi defended the Argentine players and insisted that it was part of football and that they should not be punished.
“No, no. To tell you the truth, I don’t want them to be suspended. I understand it’s not a good image for the boys, for the boys, but I think there’s a side of football that’s a bit more aggressive,” Gavi said. El Partidazo de COPE After returning from the World Cup in North America.
“Perhaps the most logical thing for me is to send him off during the match and that’s it. But like I said, in the end I think it’s all football and it should always be like that,” added Gavi, who was left confused after the final whistle in a tiff with Paredes, while coach Roberto Ayala was seen punching Olmoni de Olmoni.
Argentina were reduced to 10 men when Spain won the game 1–0 to clinch their second World Cup title and sent on Enzo Fernandez.
Gavi’s heartfelt message
Gavi also shared a heartfelt social media post, thanking the people who influenced his career that helped him reach football’s biggest stage.
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“No one wakes me up from this dream, of a boy from Los Palacios and Villafranca, who dreamed of winning the World Cup with his country, playing in the Jesús Navas Pavilion and now, at 21, has done it in New York with a group of animals that will go down in history and be remembered forever by everyone.
“Each with their own story, the strength of this group has given us another star for this country, and millions of people have celebrated this success, because it’s meant to be celebrated! My story is that I’ve been through tough times over the years with injuries, but thanks to myself, my family, friends and all the work and sacrifices I’ve made to get here, today I can say that I’ve got it all back and I’ll go through it all again.
“From my family, I owe a lot to all the people of Liara, Betis, La Masia, who welcomed me from day one, the coaches and staff of FC Barcelona, who developed me as a football player and a person and helped me reach a place where I can call myself a world champion. And a special memory of my grandmother, I have helped you for the last few months. I’m up from there,” Gavi wrote. Instagram.