Spain midfielder Gavi says Argentine players involved in the fracas that ensued after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final shouldn’t be punished contrary to what many fans have called for from FIFA. [Scroll down to watch video]
Following Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina that earned La Roja their second ever World Cup title win, Argentine players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes were caught on tape involved in heated exchanges with Spanish players Rodri, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia.
Paredes was captured in viral videos holding the neck of Eric Garcia before aggressively shoving Gavi twice to the turf after losing the 2026 World Cup Final.
Speaking to reporters after two million people greeted the triumphant team in Spain, Barcelona midfielder Gavi called for the Argentine players to be pardoned.
“No, to be honest, I don’t think they should be suspended. “
“I realize it doesn’t set a good example for the children, but there’s also that side to football that’s a bit more violent.”
“Perhaps the most logical thing, in my view, would be to send him off during the match and leave it at that, but as I say, at the end of the day I think it’s all part of football and that’s just the way it has to be” Gavi said.
Gavi punched Paredes to start the fight | Spain vs Argentina | FIFA World Cup pic.twitter.com/PQHUCq2rXJ
— Football Extra Clips (@Tekkerzball) July 20, 2026
