Argentina's 11 Biggest World Cup Controversies After Final Punishments

Argentina's reign as world champions ended with disgraceful scenes after the World Cup final against Spain. Spain won 1-0 on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra-time. Argentina did not register a shot until the 117th minute. Several Argentine stars' reactions led to post-match incidents under FIFA investigation.

A FIFA statement read: "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code with regard to the post-match incidents." The investigation covers violent conduct and potential breaches of Article 13 on offensive behavior and fair play. Serious breaches could lead to lengthy suspensions for players or staff.

Post-Match Final Scenes

Midfielder Leandro Paredes pushed Spain defender Eric Garcia's throat before kicking him and grabbed Gavi, pushing him to the ground. His reported post-match red card was removed from FIFA's records. The scenes began after Argentina defender Nahuel Molina struck Spain skipper Rodri in the stomach. Footage also showed Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala appearing to punch Spain's Dani Olmo after the game.

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Messi and Mac Allister Escape Punishment

Lionel Messi started his World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria but escaped punishment for planting his studs on defender Aissa Mandi's leg. Referee Szymon Marciniak did not issue a yellow card, and VAR did not intervene. Algeria lodged a complaint over poor refereeing, also highlighting an incident where Alexis Mac Allister elbowed Ibrahim Maza in the face in the 74th minute.

Mac Allister Incident vs Austria

In Argentina's second group game against Austria, Messi opened the scoring in a 2-0 win, overtaking Miroslav Klose's World Cup goals record. Replays showed Mac Allister fouling Austria's Xaver Schlager to win possession in the build-up, but VAR did not review.

Egypt Controversies

In the round of 16, Argentina came from behind to beat Egypt 3-2. Egypt had a goal controversially ruled out after VAR judged Marwan Ateya fouled Lisandro Martinez. Late in the game, Egypt were denied a penalty for an alleged foul on Mohamed Salah. Egypt filed a complaint, and manager Hossam Hassan said: "Why isn't there any fairness in sport? In football? I do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording. We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice."

Mistaken Identity

In the quarter-final against Switzerland, referee Joao Pinheiro initially showed Paredes a yellow card, but reversed it under the new 'mistaken identity' rule after footage showed Breel Embolo had dived. The card was awarded to Embolo, who had already been booked and was sent off. UEFA later instructed officials not to deem potential simulations as mistaken identity cases.

England Incidents

In the semi-final, Argentina beat England 2-0 with two late goals. During celebrations, several players held a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine). FIFA is investigating, and Argentinian officials reportedly expect a $20,000 fine. After the final whistle, Jude Bellingham confronted Argentina's Valentin Barco, appearing to slap him. Barco had antagonized England players earlier.