Argentina star sent off after full-time for disgusting act as Spain win World Cup

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was shown a red card for his disgusting actions after the 2026 World Cup final.

After 104 matches, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is over and Spain are the champions after a 1-0 win over Argentina.

Following a lacklustre final, a goal from Ferran Torres in the second period of extra time was enough to secure the win at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Despite there being only one goal across 120 minutes, there was still plenty of drama, with Argentina's Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the final moments of normal time after being shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.

In extra time, Lionel Messi tried to get one back as he demanded Real Madrid's Marc Cucurella was also sent off for speaking while covering his mouth.

But it wasn't until after the full-time whistle that another red card was shown, as Argentina's Paredes was given his marching orders after a disgusting moment that saw him grabbing the throat of Spain's Eric Garcia and throwing punches at Spain youngster Gavi.

Reacting to the moment on ITV, Gary Neville said: "He's a disgrace.

"I mean he was lucky not to be sent off during the game. I love the competitiveness of the Argentinians and they deserve great credit for what they've done in this tournament. Fighting and scrapping for their lives every game.

"Even today when they were outplayed by a great football side. Messi's propped them up at times and they're very competitive and I love that element of them.

"But he's just been a disgrace the last couple of games and why the referees have allowed him to continue to do what he's doing."

Immediately after throwing the punches match referee Slavko Vincic showed no hesitation in taking out his red card and forcing Paredes to leave the pitch.

It got a bit heated after full time between players from Argentina and Spain 😠 pic.twitter.com/e2idrEBGP3

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 19, 2026

“Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them,” Alan Shearer said on BBC.” There is no place or space for that.

“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.”

READ MORE: Why Marc Cucurella wasn't sent off after covering mouth while speak Lionel Messi in World Cup final

Donald Trump called out for actions during World Cup trophy lift

But Paredes wasn't the only man criticised for his behaviour after the full-time whistle, as US President Trump was called out for his actions during Spain's World Cup trophy lift.

After shaking hands and handing medals to the entire Spain and Argentina squads, Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino carried the World Cup trophy over to Spain captain Rodri.

But as the Manchester City star waited to lift the trophy with his teammates, Trump appeared to refuse to leave the trophy podium, ensuring he was a part of the celebrations.

Reacting to the moment on X, one angry fan wrote: "Donald Trump proves once again why he’s a piece of s***. Trying to steal the spotlight away from Spain lifting the World Cup."

While another added: "Donald trump does it again. He refused to leave the podium after handing the trophy over to Spain. This man loves drama."

Trumps's actions came after he behaved similarly following Chelsea's 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup last year, as he also ensured he was a part of the trophy lift and celebrations.