Argentina’s Leandro Paredes attacked Spain’s Gabi. (Image: Getty Images)
Argentina has already qualified for the next World Cup in 2030, following massive demands for FIFA to expel the national team from the competition. Lionel Messi and co lost to France in Sunday’s final, but several brawls broke out at full-time, sparking fresh controversy.
Argentina’s dark tactics were exposed after Ferran Torres’ goal gave Spain a 1-0 victory. When the final whistle blew, Leandro Paredes was at the center of a new storm after he was seen punching Spanish players who were celebrating their second World Cup win.
Argentina, who had avoided punishment for a number of offenses, saw midfielder Enzo Fernandes given his marching orders for a second offense for a reckless tackle in stoppage time.
Later, after the final whistle, players from the South American team caused a large-scale clash, with several players exchanging punches with their Spanish opponents, displaying a shocking display of poor sportsmanship and an inability to accept defeat gracefully.
The disturbing incident, which also prevailed in the semi-final against England, left much of the football world stunned. Some supporters on social media are even calling on FIFA to formally exclude Argentina from the World Cup in four years’ time, citing a series of recent controversies.
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However, Argentina is one of an unprecedented six countries, along with Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Paraguay and Uruguay, to host at least one match at the 2030 tournament, having already secured a place in the next edition without qualification.
Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each play one match to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup. The remaining matches in the tournament will be held elsewhere, but these countries will be exempted from the grueling qualification process as a special exception to standard procedure.
The first World Cup, in 1930, was held in Uruguay and was won by Uruguay. Although they defeated Argentina in the final, Paraguay decided to participate due to their status as the home of CONMEBOL, the only soccer federation at the time.
Argentina’s fiercest critics will be furious to learn that the country will still be featured, and many have taken to Reddit to call for Argentina’s removal.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Spain’s Eric Garcia clash. (Image: Getty Images)
One user posted: “Argentina should be kicked out of the 2030 World Cup after seeing their actions during this tournament. Maybe missing the World Cup will help them sort out their attitude.”
Another wrote: “They celebrated in the faces of English players and then fought when they lost. Totally despicable…zero class.”
A third agreed: “Such disgusting behavior should be 1000% banned,” while a fourth added: “That’s right. I completely agree.”
Another pointed out, “Totally agree. Demonstrate authority and forbid foul play. Political speech, violence, and constant reckless behavior should be enough to get disciplinary action.”
As for Argentina and suspensions, midfielders Fernandes and Leandro Paredes will miss at least the next two international matches after being sent off. Nahuel Molina appeared to aim to punch Spain captain Rodri in the stomach as Spain rushed onto the field to celebrate the final whistle.
Paredes, who had already received a yellow card during the match and was lucky to avoid a second booking, appeared to punch Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat before Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni intervened to separate the players.
Moments later, Paredes turned his attention to Gabi, threw the Spanish midfielder to the ground and shoved him in the face while clutching the substitute’s bib. Argentina national team coach Roberto Ayala also appeared to punch Dani Olmo in the throat.
After their semi-final victory over England, Argentina displayed a controversial banner, which was thrown onto the pitch by a fan, declaring that the Falkland Islands belonged to Argentina.
Even though FIFA had made it abundantly clear before the tournament that political statements would not be tolerated at the World Cup, Argentina’s players avoided sanctions for their violation.
