Argentina could have two players facing suspensions after Enzo Fernandez and Leandro Paredes were both sent off during the World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match finished goalless after 90 minutes before Barcelona forward Ferran Torres scored the winner.
Red cards and post-match chaos
Chelsea midfielder Fernandez was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards before the end of regulation time, leaving Argentina with 10 men. However, the most contentious moment came after the final whistle when Paredes kicked Spain defender Eric Garcia to the ground, appeared to grab his neck, and then shoved Gavi to the floor. The referee showed Paredes a straight red card for the incident.
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer, commentating for the BBC, condemned Paredes' actions. 'Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them,' Shearer said. '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.'
Potential bans and FIFA rules
Fernandez's two yellow cards typically result in a one-match ban, which is expected to be applied to Argentina's next competitive fixture. Paredes, however, could face a longer suspension due to the nature of his dismissal after the final whistle. According to FIFA rules, 'Any suspension that cannot be served during the FIFA World Cup 26 will be carried over to the representative team's next official match in accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.'
With the World Cup now over, the bans are likely to take effect for Argentina's next official match. The length of Paredes' suspension remains unclear but could be more severe given the violent conduct.
Pundits react
Manchester United legend Gary Neville, working as a pundit for ITV, was scathing in his assessment. 'It's a disgrace,' Neville said. 'I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, Messi has propped them up, but it's been a disgrace the last few games.'
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, speaking on the BBC, added: 'There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.'
Argentina president Javier Milei later declared a national holiday following the World Cup loss, but the focus remains on the disciplinary action that awaits Fernandez and Paredes.
