SerpApi.Org
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final ended in controversy after Argentina's defeat to Spain, with Leandro Paredes at the center of a controversial post-match altercation.
Following the final whistle, tensions boiled over as Argentina's Nahuel Molina reportedly threw a punch at Spain captain Rodri during the Spanish team's title celebrations.
Paredes then charged into the confrontation, squaring up to Spain defender Eric García. Television footage appeared to show the Argentine midfielder grabbing García by the throat and shoving him to the ground.
When 21-year-old Spain midfielder Gavi attempted to intervene, Paredes grabbed him by his bib and face before wrestling him to the turf. The incident led to widespread criticism, with the Argentine later being labeled "unprofessional" by Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Ibrahimović Slams Argentina After World Cup Final
During his post-match appearance on Fox Sports, Ibrahimović condemned Paredes' behavior, saying he would have physically confronted the midfielder had he been on the field.
"Paredes can be happy there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It is unprofessional behaviour from him.”
Ibrahimović also questioned Spain's players for not stepping in to defend their teammates.
"I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing? They are just watching another player hit their team-mate.”
Despite the controversy, the Swedish legend praised Spain's World Cup-winning campaign and the style of soccer they displayed throughout the tournament.
“Today football won. The way Spain plays football, the way they played in this tournament... when you watch football, this is what you want to see.”
The former Barcelona and PSG star also criticized Argentina's reaction to the defeat, saying the players failed to accept the loss in the right manner.
“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."
Ibrahimović's comments quickly went viral, with many fans supporting the Swedish legend after witnessing Paredes' violent conduct.
