The minutes following the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina were marked by tension and chaos, as Argentina's disappointment turned into a series of clashes and controversial incidents on the pitch and during the medal ceremony, overshadowing the sporting spectacle.

As soon as the referee blew the final whistle, altercations broke out between several players from both teams, most notably between Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes and Spain midfielder Gavi, as players and coaching staff tried to contain the situation.

Videos circulating online showed chaos near the benches, with several Argentine players engaging in heated arguments with Spanish players, while some coaching and administrative staff went onto the pitch to help calm things down.

Argentina's Leandro Paredes violently attacks several Spanish players after the final whistle, in a scene of tension and clashes following Argentina's loss in the World Cup final pic.twitter.com/WS2ZkkWyeU

— Asharq Al-Awsat (@aawsat_News) July 20, 2026

Amid the chaos, media outlets shared a clip showing Paredes grabbing Spain defender Eric García by the neck, sparking widespread criticism on social media. Several players intervened to separate them and end the brawl, and he was ultimately shown a red card.

The name of former Argentine defender and current assistant coach Roberto Ayala also emerged, as footage showed him approaching Dani Olmo and striking him in the face during the melee. This act drew strong criticism, especially since Ayala, 53, holds an official position on Argentina's coaching staff.

Spanish media reports indicated that Olmo was trying to calm things down after hugging his teammate Nico Williams, before moving to separate Eric García from the Argentine players surrounding him. The incident occurred amid the crowd and pushing.

Criticism was not limited to the clashes; it extended to the victory ceremony. Observers noted that Argentine players turned their backs as Spanish players went up to receive their medals and the World Cup, a scene many considered a breach of sportsmanship norms in major tournaments, where the runner-up typically stays to applaud the champions.

After the match, Dani Olmo was asked about this, given that Spain had formed a guard of honor for Argentina after the final whistle, before the Argentine players turned their backs during the ceremony.

Olmo replied: 'In the end, that doesn’t matter to us. I think it’s also important to think about the values you want to convey to others. We are role models for many generations, for many children, and I believe everyone should be a role model in everything and give their best.'

The Barcelona player’s comments sparked widespread reactions, with many seeing them as an indirect response to the Argentine players’ behavior, while fans praised his handling of the events and his focus on ethics rather than escalating the situation in the media.

British and Spanish media highlighted the scenes after the final, noting that the tension accompanying Argentina's loss was clearly reflected in the behavior of several players and staff members, both during the clashes and the ceremony.

Although FIFA has not yet issued any statement regarding the incidents at the end of the match, the circulating video footage could open the door to a disciplinary review if the relevant authorities decide to open an investigation.

While Spain celebrated their world title, images of the clashes, accusations of misconduct, and the Argentine players turning their backs during the ceremony remained among the most shared scenes after the tournament ended, in a finale marked by much tension far from the usual celebratory atmosphere.