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Argentina already knows its status for the 2030 World Cup, following significant demands for FIFA to ban the national team from that tournament. Lionel Messi's squad lost to Spain in Sunday's final, but a new controversy erupted at full-time when multiple brawls broke out.
Following Ferran Torres' goal, which secured a 1-0 win for Spain, Argentina's unsporting tactics were exposed. When the final whistle sounded, Leandro Paredes, a constant troublemaker throughout the game, found himself at the center of another incident after being seen striking Spanish players attempting to celebrate their second World Cup triumph.
Despite avoiding sanctions for multiple violations, Argentina saw midfielder Enzo Fernandez sent off for a second yellow card after a dangerous challenge in injury time.
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The South American team's players then sparked a massive altercation after the final whistle, with multiple players trading punches with their Spanish rivals in a disturbing exhibition of bad sportsmanship and failure to handle defeat with dignity.
The distasteful scenes, also evident in its semifinal against England, shocked a significant portion of the football world. Groups of fans on social media have called for FIFA to formally ban Argentina from the World Cup in four years due to their string of recent controversies.
However, Argentina has already locked in their place 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 host one game to commemorate the World Cup's centenary. While the remainder of the tournament will be held elsewhere, these nations are exempt from the grueling qualification process in a special exception to the standard procedure.
The 1930 World Cup, the inaugural edition of the tournament, was held in Uruguay 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 harshest detractors will be infuriated to learn the nation will still participate, with many flocking to Reddit to call for their exclusion.
One user posted: "Their behavior throughout this tournament should see Argentina banned from the 2030 World Cup. Maybe sitting out a World Cup 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 behavior," while a fourth added: "Exactly. Totally agree."
As Spain's players stormed the pitch to celebrate at the final whistle, Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Spain captain Rodri's stomach.
Paredes, who had already been booked during the match and was lucky to escape a second yellow card, then seemingly struck Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat before Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni stepped in to separate the players.
Shortly after, Paredes turned his attention to Gavi, throwing the Spain midfielder to the ground before shoving him in the face while gripping his substitute's bib. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala also appeared to hit Dani Olmo in the throat.
Following their victory over England in the semifinal, Argentina's players hoisted a controversial banner thrown onto the field by their supporters, which proclaimed the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina.
Despite FIFA making it crystal clear that political statements had no place at the World Cup prior to the tournament, the Argentine players escaped punishment for that violation.
