The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina didn't just end with celebrations for the Iberians and tears for Lionel Messi. After the final whistle, a massive brawl broke out on the pitch between players from both teams, overshadowing even the closing ceremony.
It all started when Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes lost control and grabbed Spanish defender Eric García by the throat, pushing him hard. The incident quickly escalated, with other players also involved in the altercation.
Among them was Gavi, who stepped in to protect his teammate. He initially clashed with Thiago Almada, who knocked him to the ground, and was then attacked by Paredes himself. According to the footage, the Argentine midfielder tried to punch him, while Almada and a member of the Argentina staff tried to calm him down, but to no avail.
The entire scene took place before the eyes of referee Slavko Vinčić, who, although the match had ended, punished Paredes with a red card for his behavior.
