Argentina’s Paredes Grabs Spain’s Garcia by Throat in Post-Final Confrontation

Tempers flared after the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday as Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes confronted Spain defender Eric Garcia, grabbing him by the throat in a post-match altercation. The incident, which was captured on video and reported by ESPN, came moments after Spain secured a 1-0 extra-time victory over the defending champions. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, handing Spain their second World Cup title.

Paredes, who entered the match as a substitute, had already been booked for a strong challenge earlier in the game. After the final whistle, he approached Garcia and appeared to place a hand on the Barcelona defender’s throat, sending him to the ground. The confrontation quickly escalated into a scuffle involving players, substitutes, and coaching staff from both sides before officials and teammates intervened to restore order.

The match itself was already highly charged, with Argentina reduced to 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the closing stages of normal time for a challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi. Argentina also accumulated six yellow cards. Despite the tension, the post-match scenes later turned cordial, with Spain players embracing Lionel Messi and head coaches Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente sharing a hug.

Spain’s victory capped an unbeaten World Cup campaign, adding to their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. The final also saw milestones, including Lionel Messi becoming the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, and teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi featuring in the showpiece.

Article and image source: venezuelastar.com