Argentina is expected to face a FIFA investigation after several players and staff members were involved in altercations following the World Cup final. The incidents occurred immediately after the final whistle as Spain players celebrated their victory.
Trouble appeared to begin when Argentina defender Nahuel Molina seemingly punched Rodri, a substituted Spanish player, on the arm or stomach as Rodri walked past. Rodri then confronted Molina, who responded aggressively. Argentina's Leandro Paredes then became involved, jabbing Spain's Eric Garcia in the throat. Unused substitute Gavi was then pushed to the ground by Argentina's Thiago Almada, and Paredes further pushed Gavi by putting his hand in the Spaniard's face.
Argentina's assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also seen appearing to hold Garcia around the throat and then striking Dani Olmo. Former England player Alan Shearer, providing commentary for the BBC, described Paredes' actions as having "no place or space" and criticized the team's reaction to losing, stating, "Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible." Goalkeeper Joe Hart added that the behavior was "disgusting."
Despite the widespread criticism, Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni, who attempted to de-escalate the situation during the match, downplayed the events in his post-match interview. "We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat," Scaloni said. "Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn't mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here."