What Lionel Messi Did Following Paredes’ Post-Final Altercation With Spain Players | Football News

Last Updated:July 21, 2026, 08:48 IST

Spain defeat Argentina in FIFA World Cup final. Leandro Paredes red-carded after altercation. Messi in tears, Trump booed.

Gavi falls as he scuffles with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada (Picture credit: AP)

Spain’s win over 2022 champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final was marred by a bizarre incident that followed, where Argentina’s Leandro Paredes got himself into a physical altercation with Spain’s Gavi, which also led to the former being shown a red card.

Paredes triggered a melee by grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia around the throat in a skirmish that saw Spanish substitute Gavi thrown to the floor.

Meanwhile, Messi was seen in tears after receiving his runners-up medal during the presentation ceremony led by Donald Trump, who was greeted with loud boos and jeers as he walked onto the field alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Watch Paredes’ altercation with the Spanish players here:

Here is Messi’s reaction to the chaos:

As the chaos unfolded, Messi remained near the penalty box, watching from a distance. Clearly visible, he chose not to get involved as footballers from both teams confronted each other and coaches rushed in to separate them.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the incident after the game, requesting his footballers to show greater composure in loss and set the right example with their behaviour on the field.

“We are gracious in victory and we must be so in defeat. We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were stretched thin coming into this, but giving it your all. Like they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country,” Scaloni said at the post-match press conference.

Trump and Infantino later presented the FIFA World Cup trophy to Spain skipper Rodri, the midfield general who had orchestrated La Roja’s superb victory over 2022 champions Argentina.

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