Sport4 min(s) read
Published 10:34 21 Jul 2026 GMT
The 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a close on Sunday (July 19), with Spain emerging 1-0 victors over Lionel Messi and his Argentina side.
Ferran Torres was the hero, coming off the bench to lash home a 106th-minute extra-time half-volley past a helpless Emiliano Martinez.
It may have been Messi's last attempt at winning the biggest prize of them all as he approaches 40, but Argentina didn't do much to help him at the final hurdle.
Following a dramatic semi-final win over England, Argentina came into the final with one goal: to stop Spain at all costs.
And over the course of 90 minutes, they did, with several fouls and last-ditch tackles all over the pitch, culminating in a careless red card for Enzo Fernandez at the end of normal time.
Some players were dirtier than others, and one of the main culprits was Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes.
In fact, the former PSG man may be under investigation by FIFA for his conduct in the final.
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FIFA is reportedly investigating the "violent conduct" from Leandro Paredes after it was shown on broadcast that he was shown a straight red card after allegedly grabbing the throat of Spain's Eric Garcia.
Paredes and teammates Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to be involved in the scuffle.
But according to the BBC, Paredes was never shown a red card by referee Slavko Vincic and was instead incorrectly reported on FIFA's commentator information system.
It would be deleted shortly afterwards, as FIFA confirmed that no disciplinary action will be taken despite his actions.
Argentina is already undergoing an investigation after raising a banner about the Falklands following their last-gasp victory over England.
Parades, 32, has since taken to social media, speaking about his World Cup journey and his pride of being part of the "best" Argentinian team in history.
He posted several images from his time at this year's World Cup, including one of him passing the trophy with his silver medal.
While many may remember Paredes' main contribution to the tournament as the fight with Spain after the final whistle, he swerved the topic completely in his post.
He penned: “THANK YOU ARGENTINA !!! I LOVE YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS,
“Today it's time to write with a lot of pain in the soul for not having been able to give them that joy that our country so deserves, but with the chest full of pride for giving everything we had and leaving our flag again on the highest!
“Thanks to everyone who was part of this selection, to this group of players who gave their lives to represent this shirt as it did until the last second of each game!
“It was an honor to be part of the best Argentinian national team in history!!”
Footage after the full-time whistle showed Paredes lunging towards his Spanish counterparts, putting his hands on both Garcia and his teammate Gavi.
The latter could be seen being thrown to the ground by the Boca Juniors midfielder.
A FIFA 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.”
