The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) launched an investigation on Monday after the Spanish national team's celebrations of their victory over Argentina in the World Cup final turned into a heated verbal exchange, following brief clashes between players on the pitch.

Television replays showed several players involved in an altercation, including Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes.

Paredes appeared to push Spain defender Eric García by the neck, then shoved young player Gavi who intervened to defend his teammate.

It also appeared that Spain captain Rodri was hit in the stomach by Argentina defender Nahuel Molina as he passed by to join his teammates in celebrating the title victory.

Then another confrontation occurred between Molina and Rodri, who entered into a discussion with his former Manchester City teammate and Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and other players quickly moved to calm the situation.

FIFA said in a statement that its disciplinary committee decided to appoint a disciplinary prosecutor to investigate violations of the disciplinary regulations regarding the events that followed the match.

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The brief statement did not specify any timeline for the investigation, nor did it mention Paredes by name, who was not sent off after the match but could face a suspension.

Spain needed extra time to win the final on Sunday, 1-0, after Argentina played with ten men.

Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time.

The Argentine players stood facing their fans, with their backs to the podium, when Spain lifted the trophy, sparking angry reactions, as the behavior seemed unacceptable and like a slight to the new champions who formed a guard of honor for them as they went up to receive their medals.