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Argentina’s Leandro Paredes loses cool, pushes Eric Garcia and Gavi to the ground after Spain’s World Cup triumph

Leandro Paredes lost his cool after Argentina's World Cup final defeat, becoming involved in heated confrontations with Spain players after the final whistle.

Updated on: Jul 20, 2026, 09:33:24 IST
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Spain's World Cup celebrations were briefly overshadowed by heated scenes involving several Argentina players after the final whistle. The flashpoint began when Spain's players rushed towards the centre of the pitch to celebrate their title and a few of them unintentionally crossed paths with Nahuel Molina. The Argentina defender took exception to the incident, which led to Rodri stepping in before Eric Garcia became involved in a verbal exchange with Molina. As the argument escalated, Leandro Paredes arrived and the situation quickly turned physical.

Spain's Gavi falls as he scuffles with Argentina's Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada after World Cup final. (AP Photo)
Spain's Gavi falls as he scuffles with Argentina's Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada after World Cup final. (AP Photo)

Paredes lost his temper after Argentina's defeat and became the central figure in the confrontation. He shoved Eric Garcia to the ground, prompting players from both teams to rush in and separate those involved. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stepped in to pull Garcia away and calm the situation. The altercation did not end there, as Paredes then forcefully pushed Gavi during the melee, leading to another round of shoving before teammates and officials restored order. The ugly scenes briefly interrupted Spain's celebrations after their World Cup triumph. It was a disappointing end to Argentina's campaign, with emotions boiling over after their hopes of defending the title came to an end.

Also Read - Lionel Messi cries inconsolably after Spain deny Argentina consecutive World Cup titles in awfully one-sided final

Spain completely outplayed the 2022 champions and controlled the World Cup final from start to finish. Argentina survived for as long as they did largely because of a determined defensive effort and an outstanding performance from Emiliano Martinez, who produced a series of crucial saves to keep the score level. However, Spain's relentless pressure finally paid off in extra time when Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute with the decisive goal. Argentina struggled throughout the contest and failed to impose themselves in attack, spending most of the match pinned back in their own half. Remarkably, Lionel Scaloni's side did not register a single shot during the first 90 minutes, underlining Spain's complete control of the game. Despite Argentina's resilience at the back, Spain deserved their victory after dominating possession, creating the better chances and dictating the tempo throughout the final.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari

Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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