Unseen footage from Argentine broadcaster RLC Noticias shows Lionel Messi pleading with his Argentina teammates to remain calm before the World Cup final, but his appeals were completely ignored. The match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Spain after extra time, was marred by violent scenes after the final whistle.
Messi's pre-match plea
In the footage, Messi is heard saying: "Let's go, boys, [let's keep] calm people, calm. The main thing is for us to remain calm, boys, that we remain calm... Let's just concentrate on playing, nothing else - calm, OK? Forget everything else. Let's just play, let's just concentrate on playing. Let's go."
Despite his captain's words, Argentina lost their composure throughout the 120 minutes. Enzo Fernandez was sent off shortly before the 90th minute for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi while already on a booking. Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time.
Post-match brawl
After the final whistle, unsavoury scenes erupted. Leandro Paredes threw punches and hurled Gavi to the ground. Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were also involved. Paredes grabbed Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat, and when Gavi intervened, Almada shoved him before Paredes pushed him down.
FIFA's disciplinary committee has appointed a prosecutor to examine the incidents. Any player or coach implicated could face a ban, and the Argentine Football Association may be fined. Argentina became the first finalists to complete 90 minutes without registering a shot.
