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The final of the 2026 World Cup continues to be a talking point, but now because of the statements made by Spanish player Gavi, who unexpectedly came to the defense of Argentina's Leandro Paredes after the fight in the final where the latter hit him and knocked him to the ground.
According to reports, FIFA is keeping an investigation open into the incidents that occurred after the final whistle, especially the fight involving Paredes, which several Argentinians and Spaniards joined. While this is ongoing, the Spanish midfielder asked that there be no punishment for those involved.
It is worth remembering that the match, which ended in Spain's victory over Argentina, was marked by an atmosphere of high tension, blows, verbal abuse, and the anger of the Albiceleste team and their fans around the world.
The fight between Gavi and Leandro made waves on the internet and was front-page news in the foreign press. In light of these events, the federation opened an investigation that could lead to sanctions for some of those involved.
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However, Gavi surprised many by downplaying the controversy and asking that the players involved in the fight not be punished as is being requested on social media; the Barcelona star argued that tensions are part of soccer.
"I don't think he [Leandro Paredes] should be suspended," Gavi said in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE. "I understand that it's not a good image for children, but I also believe that this side of soccer exists, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive. The only solution would have been to send him off during the game, and that's it. In the end, I think it's all soccer, and that's how it has to be," he pointed out.
The situation could become even more complicated for Lionel Messi's team, as the FIFA investigation would not only consider the incidents of the final and the fight with Paredes, but also the events that occurred after the semifinal against England, when several Argentine players displayed a banner with the message 'The Malvinas are Argentine,' adding one more controversy to the team's participation in the 2026 World Cup.
¿Qué pasó con Leandro Paredes y Gavi?
Everything started when Nahuel Molina took a swipe at Rodri while the Spaniard was celebrating the victory that gave the 'Furia Roja' their second cup; this sparked an exchange of words and aggression that led to the intervention of Borja Iglesias and Eric García.
The tension worsened when Paredes entered to defend Molina and ended up pushing Eric García, grabbing him violently by the neck. Immediately, Paredes went after Gavi, pushing him to the ground and pulling on his vest.
Amidst blows, shoves, and verbal aggression, coach Scaloni intervened to separate the players and calm the scene while other players like Iglesias and Cristian Romero joined the fight.
After the fight, Paredes was sent off the field with a red card even though the game had already ended; however, it later emerged that FIFA had rescinded that caution.
[Publicidad]