Leandro Paredes red card overturned: FIFA confirms no punishment for Argentina star after World Cup final brawl

FIFA has confirmed that Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes will face no disciplinary action after his red card from the 2026 World Cup final was removed from the official match record, contrary to initial reports that swept global media following Sunday’s chaotic scenes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The world governing body told BBC Sport that no disciplinary action was recorded against Paredes at the time. The red card—initially believed to have been issued by referee Slavko Vinčić after Paredes grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat—was scrubbed from FIFA’s official match centre shortly after it appeared. According to FIFA sources, the card was never actually shown; the information was mistakenly entered into the system and later deleted.

How the brawl unfolded

The melee erupted moments after the final whistle, as Spain celebrated their 1-0 extra-time victory over the reigning world champions. Spain substitutes stormed the pitch, and Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to punch Spain captain Rodri in the stomach as the Manchester City midfielder ran past. Rodri confronted Molina, and the altercation quickly escalated.

Paredes, who had been brought off the bench at half-time and had already received a yellow card, ran over and shoved Garcia to the ground before grabbing him by the throat. When Spain’s Gavi attempted to intervene, Paredes wrestled him to the turf, pushing his hand into the young Spaniard’s face. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also seen grabbing Garcia around the throat before appearing to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.

Argentina had already been reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time for a foul on Spain’s Pau Cubarsí.

Pundits condemn ‘disgusting’ behaviour

Former England captain Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC One’s coverage, condemned the scenes. “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that,” Shearer said. “We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible”.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart added: “The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour”.

FIFA launches investigation

While Paredes escaped on-field punishment, FIFA’s disciplinary committee has launched a formal investigation into the post-match incidents. A statement confirmed: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents”.

Molina, Ayala, and Thiago Almada are also under scrutiny. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) could face fines or additional sanctions.

Compounding Argentina’s troubles, FIFA is also examining a political banner displayed by players—including Lisandro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso—after their semi-final victory over England, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Malvinas are Argentine).

Paredes breaks silence—but offers no apology

Hours after the final, Paredes took to Instagram. He did not apologise. Instead, he wrote: “Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves. But with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! … It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history”.

According to Spanish media reports, Paredes later claimed Gavi provoked him with comments about Lionel Messi, prompting his violent reaction—though he admitted he was not proud of his actions.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, who sprinted onto the pitch to try to calm his players, appeared to downplay the incident. “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose,” he said.

FIFA has not announced a timeline for completing its investigation.