FIFA will open an investigation into the confrontational behaviour of several Argentina players and at least one member of the coaching staff following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, multiple media outlets reported.
The incident erupted immediately after the final whistle as Spanish players and substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate.
Frustrated Argentine players confronted their opponents, sparking heated scuffle involving shoves, punches, and players being pulled apart.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes was at the centre of several clashes.
He charged at Spain defender Eric Garcia, grabbed him by the throat and pushed him to the ground.
Paredes then became involved with Spain midfielder Gavi, wrestling him to the ground and shoving him in the face.
Paredes was shown a straight red card after the final whistle.
Defender Nahuel Molina confronted Spain captain Rodri as the Spanish players celebrated.
Molina appeared to thrust forward aggressively toward Rodri.
When Garcia moved in to support his teammate, Paredes jabbed Garcia in the throat area.
Unused Spanish substitute Gavi tried to intervene but was forced to the ground by Argentina’s Thiago Almada before Paredes pushed him to the floor with a hand to the face.
Assistant coach Roberto Ayala’s actions will also be reviewed, reports said.
Ayala was seen holding Garcia around the throat and appeared to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Center-back Nicolas Otamendi separately confronted Rodri over pre-match comments regarding match officials.
'We’ve seen this with Argentina before'
The altercation drew widespread condemnation from pundits and analysts.
Former England striker Alan Shearer told the BBC: "Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that."
Football commentator Aaron Cikaya described the scenes as "straight thuggery," while CNN anchor Jim Sciutto called the episode "absolutely disgusting."
Fox football analyst Alexi Lalas labeled it "weak," and prominent commentator Taylor Twellman said Argentina "really didn’t show themselves in a positive light today both on and off the field."
Joe Hart, a BBC pundit and former England goalkeeper called it "disgusting behaviour." He singled out captain Lionel Messi as the one with class: "There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi."
Another BBC pundit, Wayne Rooney, said: "Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this with Argentina before. It’s just not the reaction you want. We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them."
He also criticised Messi for trying to get Marc Cucurella in trouble, calling it "desperation" and "sad to see" a lack of sportsmanship. The Argentine captain was also caught trying to move the ball forward several metres during a free kick, but the referee immediately stopped him.
Gary Neville, an ITV expert, balled Paredes’ post-match actions "a disgrace" and criticised Argentina’s overly aggressive style that crossed the line.
Football commentator Adrian Durham labeled Argentina "a total embarrassment to the game," "no class whatsoever," and "a total disgrace here today."
The post-match confrontation overshadowed an otherwise competitive final in which Spain controlled possession and created the better chances, while Argentina relied on defensive organisation and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s saves.
FIFA’s investigation will also examine Argentina’s conduct during the post-match medal ceremony.
After collecting their silver medals, several players — including Messi — turned their backs and walked away instead of watching Spain lift the trophy or forming a guard of honour.
The actions were widely criticised as "classless" and unsportsmanlike.
