In the final minutes of the 2026 World Cup final, tension escalated when Argentina was left with only 10 players after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for fouling Pau Cubarsi.
Immediately after the referee blew the whistle to end the match, a scuffle occurred between players of both teams. According to television footage, midfielder Leandro Paredes was said to have rushed into a collision with Eric Garcia before pushing down Gavi, leading to a brawl with the participation of many players, coaching staff members and logistics team.
After returning from the US, midfielder Gavi has made remarkable shares. Although Paredes is facing much criticism, the Spanish player believes that the opponent should not be suspended after the incident.
I don't think Paredes should be suspended from playing. I understand that's not a good image for children, but football always has friction and fierceness. In my opinion, if there is a violation, disqualifying him right in the match is enough. That's also part of football," Gavi expressed.
Meanwhile, Paredes did not directly mention the incident. On his personal page, the midfielder currently playing for AS Roma only sent thanks to Argentine fans after the team lost in the final.
Thank you Argentina! I have always loved this country. My heart is heavy because I could not bring the cup home, but also full of pride when the whole team fought with everything they had. For me, it is an honor to wear the Argentina national team jersey," Paredes wrote.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has also spoken out about the controversial situation related to Paredes. Accordingly, information that referee Slavko Vincic showed a red card to the Argentine midfielder after the match stemmed from a technical error on the system.
FIFA confirmed that the electronic record misrepresented Paredes receiving a red card, while the referee did not make a disciplinary decision at the time of the scuffle. This error was later corrected.
However, FIFA said it is still collecting video footage and reports from match supervisors to consider the actions of the related players.
If found to have committed serious violence according to FIFA's disciplinary regulations, Leandro Paredes may face a suspension of at least three matches, or even a long-term ban from national team level.
