Leandro Paredes of Argentina hits out at Spain’s Gavi. (Image: Getty Images)
Argentina have already discovered their fate for the next World Cup in 2030, after FIFA received major calls for the national team to be banned from that edition of the tournament. Lionel Messi and co suffered defeat to France in Sunday’s final, but fresh controversy broke out at full-time when several melees broke out.
After Ferran Torres’ goal sealed a 1-0 victory for Spain, Argentina’s dark arts tactics were exposed. When the final whistle blew, Leandro Paredes was at the centre of a new storm, having been spotted punching Spanish players who were trying to celebrate their second World Cup title.
Having escaped punishment for numerous infringements, Argentina themselves saw midfielder Enzo Fernandez receive his marching orders for a second bookable offence following a reckless tackle in stoppage time.
The South American side’s players then ignited a mass confrontation after the final whistle, with several players exchanging blows with their Spanish opponents in a shocking display of poor sportsmanship and an inability to accept defeat graciously.
The distasteful incidents, which were also prevalent during their semi-final with England, appalled large swathes of the football community. Sections of supporters on social media have even urged FIFA to officially exclude Argentina from the World Cup in four years’ time owing to their succession of recent controversies.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
However, Argentina have already secured their spot at the next tournament without needing to qualify, as they are one of an unprecedented six nations hosting at least one match at the 2030 edition, alongside Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each stage one match to commemorate the centenary of the World Cup. While the remainder of the tournament will be held elsewhere, these nations are exempt from the gruelling qualification process in a special exception to the standard procedure.
The 1930 World Cup, the inaugural edition of the tournament, was held in and won by Uruguay. They defeated Argentina in the final, while Paraguay’s inclusion stemmed from its status as the home of CONMEBOL, the sole football confederation at the time.
Argentina’s fiercest critics will be left fuming to discover the nation will still feature, with many taking to Reddit to demand their exclusion.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Spain’s Eric Garcia clash. (Image: Getty Images)
One user posted: “Their behaviour throughout this tournament should see Argentina banned from the 2030 World Cup. Maybe sitting a World Cup out will sort out their attitude.”
Another wrote: “They celebrated in English players’ faces and then fought when they lost. Absolutely despicable… zero class.”
A third chimed in with: “They should 1000% get banned for such poor behaviour,” while a fourth added: “Exactly. Totally agree.”
Another pointed out: “Fully agreed. Show authority and ban foul behaviour. Political statements, violence and constant reckless play should be enough to earn them a disciplinary action.”
Regarding Argentina and suspensions, midfielders Fernandez and Leandro Paredes will be absent for at least the next two international matches following their dismissals. As Spain’s squad rushed onto the field to celebrate at the final whistle, Nahuel Molina seemed to aim a punch at Spain captain Rodri’s midriff as well.
Paredes, who had already received a yellow card during the match and was fortunate to avoid a second caution, then appeared to strike Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat before Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni intervened to pull the players apart.
Moments later, Paredes turned his focus towards Gavi, hurling the Spain midfielder to the ground before pushing him in the face while clutching his substitute’s bib. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala also seemed to strike Dani Olmo in the throat.
Following the triumph over England in the semi-final, Argentina’s squad held aloft a contentious banner tossed onto the pitch by their fans, which declared the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina.
Despite FIFA making it abundantly clear that political statements had no place at the World Cup ahead of the tournament, the Argentine players avoided sanction for that transgression.