Spain celebrated with the World Cup, but Argentina’s final act stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons as emotions boiled over into a shocking post-match brawl

ARGENTINA players started a mass BRAWL after losing the World Cup final to Spain.

After the final whistle, the losers’ frustrations boiled over with Leandro Paredes going after Spain ace Gavi.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina

Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada clash with Spain’s Gavi after the match Credit: Reuters

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH104-ESP-ARG-FINAL

Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni gets involved in the scuffle following the match Credit: AFP

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina

Gavi was thrown to the floor Credit: Reuters

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina

Paredes was shown a red card Credit: Reuters

Argentina put on a poor display across 120 minutes against Spain, but looked even worse as they lashed out at the end.

Passions boiled over as Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at a one of the Spain subs running on to join in with his team-mates’ celebrations.

And Paredes got in on the action as he started throwing punches at Gavi and lobbing him to the ground.

As a result of his behaviour, referee Slavko Vincic showed Paredes a red card.

The whole situation was summed up by Alan Shearer in the post match analysis.

He said: “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.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina

Paredes and Gavi clashed right in front of the assistant ref Credit: Reuters

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina

Players and staff from both sides were involved in the chaos Credit: Reuters

FIFA World Cup 2026 final - Spain vs Argentina

Gavi was eventually dragged away Credit: EPA

“Too many times we have seen that from Argentina.

“The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”

Fans watching on were also shocked by the actions of Paredes on the pitch as they reacted on social media.

One posted: “What on earth is wrong with Paredes.”

A second commented: “A big ban coming for him surely.”

A third wrote: “Shocking display and brings a bad look to the final.”

A fourth said: “Such a bad loser, get over yourself.”

Another added: “That is a horrible showing from Paredes.”

Manager Scaloni was also pictured in a confrontation with former Manchester City star Eric Garcia.

Enzo Fernandez had already seen red for Argentina during the match.

The Chelsea midfielder was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Curbasi.