Paredes Sees Red After World Cup Final Brawl: Argentina Midfielder Loses Cool in Spain’s Victory

FolioPitch.com – 20 July 2026 | In a shocking turn of events following the 2026 World Cup final, Former Roma man Paredes loses his head in World Cup final chaos sent off for throwing punches. The Argentina midfielder, who previously played for Roma and Juventus, was at the center of an ugly brawl that erupted after Spain’s 2-1 victory over Argentina at the Lusail Stadium.

Footage that quickly went viral showed Paredes grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck before throwing Barcelona midfielder Gavi to the ground when the youngster came to his teammate’s defense. The incident, which occurred near the touchline as Spanish players were celebrating their title, led to a mass confrontation involving players, coaches, and staff from both teams.

Referee Daniele Orsato, who had already blown the final whistle, showed Paredes a straight red card after consulting with his VAR team. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and assistant Walter Samuel were seen stepping in to separate the players, but not before Paredes had already lost his composure. This marks a significant low point for Paredes, who had been a key substitute for Argentina throughout the tournament.

The flashpoint was reportedly sparked by a comment from Gavi. In post-match interviews, the Spanish midfielder revealed what set off the Argentine. “I simply asked him: ‘Didn’t Infantino answer your calls this time?’” Gavi told Spanish media. “The moment I said it, he completely lost his head. He didn’t even let me finish. What did I want to tell him? That football has finally beaten corruption.”

Gavi’s remark appeared to reference Paredes’ previous controversial statements about FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where Paredes had criticized Infantino for allegedly ignoring Argentina’s concerns about the host nation’s human rights record. The comment clearly struck a nerve, leading to the chaotic scene that overshadowed Spain’s triumph.

However, Paredes was not the only Argentine player to lose control. Right-back Nahuel Molina also threw a punch into the side of Spain captain Rodri as the latter walked past, an act that many believe lit the fuse for the larger brawl. Molina’s punch, captured by broadcast cameras, showed a deliberate strike to Rodri’s ribs, which the Spanish midfielder shrugged off but later condemned as “unsportsmanlike and dangerous.”

The ugly scenes marred what should have been a night of celebration for Spain, who captured their second World Cup title after a dominant performance. For Argentina, the defeat was bitter enough, but the post-match violence has cast a shadow over their campaign. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is expected to face disciplinary action from FIFA, with Paredes and Molina likely to receive lengthy bans.

Social media erupted with condemnation of the incident, with many fans and pundits calling for severe punishments. “This is not the spirit of football,” tweeted former FIFA referee Pierluigi Collina. “Violence has no place in our game, especially after the final whistle. FIFA must act decisively.”

The incident also drew attention to the emotional volatility of high-stakes matches. Argentina had come into the final as slight favorites after an impressive run, but Spain’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing proved too much. The loss clearly affected the Argentine players deeply, but the reaction of Paredes and Molina crossed a line.

Former Roma man Paredes loses his head in World Cup final chaos sent off for throwing punches serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a game can spiral into disrepute. The midfielder, who had a relatively quiet tournament, now risks being remembered for all the wrong reasons. His red card was the first post-match red card in a World Cup final since Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt in 2006, but Paredes’ actions were even more aggressive and involved multiple opponents.

In the aftermath, Spain’s players tried to downplay the incident, focusing on their victory. “It’s a shame that happened,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. “We wanted to celebrate with dignity. But I understand emotions run high. We won’t let it ruin our night.”

For Argentina, the focus now shifts to damage control. The AFA issued a statement expressing regret over the incident and confirming they would cooperate with FIFA’s investigation. “We strongly condemn any acts of violence. Our players are deeply sorry for their actions. We will take internal disciplinary measures and fully support FIFA’s process,” the statement read.

Paredes himself has not commented publicly, but sources close to the player say he is “devastated” by his loss of control and regrets his actions. However, the damage is done. As FIFA reviews the footage, the football world waits to see what sanctions will be imposed. This episode underscores the intense pressure of World Cup finals and the thin line between passion and aggression.

In conclusion, the 2026 World Cup final will be remembered not only for Spain’s brilliant victory but also for the ugly brawl that erupted afterwards. Former Roma man Paredes loses his head in World Cup final chaos sent off for throwing punches is a headline that will dominate discussions for weeks. The incident serves as a sobering lesson about sportsmanship and the consequences of losing one’s temper on the biggest stage. For Paredes, his legacy is now tarnished, and his future in international football is uncertain.