The story so far
Spain World Cup Final Brawl
Tracked across 6 sources · Updated 2d ago
After Spain's 2026 World Cup win over Argentina, a post-match brawl erupted involving Argentina's Leandro Paredes, who was sent off. FIFA investigated, and tensions escalated with family defenses, player retraction threats, and rejected apologies. Lionel Messi later appeared publicly for the first time since the defeat.
How it unfolded
4d ago
Messi makes first public appearance since final loss
6d ago
Paredes hints at retirement from Argentina
6d ago
Paredes admits Spain deserved win; Spain coach attacks
22 Jul 2026
Ibrahimovic criticizes Paredes; Gavi supports no ban
21 Jul 2026
Paredes' mother defends brawl; sister taunts England
20 Jul 2026
FIFA to investigate Argentina's violent conduct
19 Jul 2026
Paredes brawls with Spain players after final
19 Jul 2026
Spain wins World Cup; Royal Family sends message
What happened earlier
Latest updates
Latest
Full story →Argentina Captain Lionel Messi Honours Squad Members With Personalised Gifts After FIFA WC 2026
Argentina captain Lionel Messi honoured teammates after FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain.
He gifted each squad member a personalised mate set.
Marcos Senesi’s partner revealed the gesture online.
Earlier · 22 Jul 2026
Full story →Ibrahimovic criticizes Paredes, questions Spain's response
Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticised Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for his actions in post-match confrontations after the FIFA World Cup final.
Ibrahimovic said he would have headbutted Paredes if he had been on the pitch.
Ibrahimovic questioned why Spain's players did not respond to Paredes grabbing Gavi by the throat.
FIFA is investigating Paredes' conduct following the match.
Paredes expressed pride in representing Argentina despite the loss.
Earlier · 22 Jul 2026
Full story →Gavi: Paredes should avoid ban after brawl
Spain midfielder Gavi defended Argentina's Leandro Paredes, saying Paredes should not be suspended for his role in a post-match brawl after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
The brawl occurred after Spain's 1-0 victory, with Paredes pushing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and later shoving Gavi to the ground.
FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incident, which could lead to bans or fines for players, coaches, or the Argentine Football Association.
Gavi stated that the most logical outcome would have been a red card during the match and that the aggression is part of football's physical side.
Earlier · 5d ago
Full story →Spain Coach's Scathing Attack On Argentina Over 'Unacceptable' Behaviour
Spain coach criticized Argentina over Leandro Paredes's physical altercation with Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi.
Spain captain Rodri was hit in the stomach as he ran past Argentina defender Nahuel Molina.
The coach described Argentina's behavior as unacceptable.
The incident occurred during a match or related event.
Earlier · 3d ago
Full story →Messi makes first public appearance after World Cup final
Lionel Messi made his first public appearance since Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, watching a Primera C match in Arroyo Seco near Rosario.
Messi attended Leones FC, the club run by his family, facing Central Córdoba de Rosario at the Antonio Di Giacomo Stadium, wearing a black jacket with his hood pulled up.
He was spotted with sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro on a balcony, and acknowledged supporters by smiling and raising his hand after a video of him circulated on social media.
The 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had stayed out of public view since the July 19 final defeat, returning to Rosario separately on a private flight with his family.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal for Spain in the 106th minute, denying Argentina back-to-back World Cup titles and carrying emotional weight due to uncertainty about Messi's international future.
