New footage from the World Cup final shows referee Slavko Vincic pleading with Argentina captain Lionel Messi to "control" teammate Leandro Paredes before scenes of chaos erupted at full-time. The game, which saw Argentina defeat Spain, devolved into disarray after the final whistle when Paredes became involved in altercations with Spain's Eric Garcia and Gavi.
Vincic, a referee from Slovenia, can be heard on the referee cam audio urging Messi, "Messi, control Paredes. I don't want to... he has yellow. Control please. Always, always." Paredes, who was substituted into the game at halftime and received a yellow card shortly after, remained on the field until the end of the match before his outburst.
The midfielder reportedly grabbed Eric Garcia by the neck, pushed Gavi, and appeared to throw punches following Argentina's defeat. He also narrowly avoided a red card earlier in the match for a foul. FIFA has since initiated disciplinary proceedings against Paredes, charging him with unsporting behavior and three counts of assault.
The referee cam footage also captured the moment Vincic received his medal from Donald Trump, who reportedly told the referee he had done a "great job."
Paredes has since returned to club football. Playing for Boca Juniors in a 2-2 draw against Newell's Old Boys, he was involved in another on-pitch incident. Trailing 2-1 in the 68th minute, Paredes appeared to deliberately kick a ball at an opponent who had just been fouled and was turning away. This action instigated a melee, and the referee issued Paredes a yellow card for the unsportsmanlike conduct.