Several Argentina players were involved in ugly post-match clashes with Spain's players immediately after the final whistle, which confirmed the European nation as world champions with a 1-0 victory after extra time. Ferran Torres' 106th-minute winner sealed victory for La Roja, and the 2022 champions lost all composure in the immediate aftermath.
Eric Garcia ran over to back up his team-mate at which point Paredes jumped in, jabbing Garcia in the throat. Gavi tried to intervene, only to be forced to the ground by Thiago Almada and followed up by Paredes who pushed him to the floor by putting his hand in his face. Roberto Ayala was pictured holding Garcia by the throat and then appeared to punch Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Initial reports indicated that Paredes had been given a straight red card by referee Slavko Vincic for grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. However, However, this expulsion was later erased from FIFA's official records, with the governing body reportedly confirming to BBC Sport that no disciplinary action had actually been taken against the midfielder in the aftermath of the match.
After the final, world football's governing body FIFA swiftly opened an investigation into Argentina's violent post-match conduct, appointing a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to review footage, referee reports and documentation submitted by match delegates. FIFA said in a statement: “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. The investigation will examine match reports and available footage before deciding whether formal disciplinary proceedings should follow. FIFA has not announced any punishments or given a deadline for completing the investigation.
According to FIFA's Disciplinary Code, players found guilty of violent conduct should be issued with at least a three-match ban. Any player or staff member found responsible could receive a suspension, while the AFA may also face a financial penalty.