FIFA handed punishments to multiple Argentina players last week for their involvement in the intense brawl that took place on the pitch after the 2026 World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes was served the worst of them though, a 10-match ban he has since called “excessive” while also questioning the “strange” decision to punish his Spanish counterpart, Gavi.
The 32-year-old was widely considered the main villain of the heated affair that took place at MetLife Stadium last month in the moments following Spain’s 1–0 victory. Argentina right back Nahuel Molina sparked the fight, striking Rodri in the midriff as the Spanish star ran across the pitch to celebrate victory. Paredes escalated it, grabbing at the throat of Spaniard Eric García, before shoving García’s teammate, Gavi, to the ground.
