Spain’s World Cup triumph descended into chaos as Argentina players were seen throwing punches at full-time.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute after Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez had been sent off in the dying moments of normal time.
It ultimately decided a match which was dominated by La Roja, who bossed possession and looked totally untroubled until the ten men of Argentina threw the kitchen sink at the end.
As the full-time whistle crowned the worthy champions, Paredes was shown a red card for appearing to throw hands at Gavi and Eric Garcia.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was forced to drag his players away.
talkSPORT’s Jim Proudfoot said on commentary: “Inevitably there is a square-up between the players.
“Leandro Paredes getting involved with one of the Spanish substitutes. It looks like he threw a punch.”
Nahuel Molina could also be seen lashing out at the Spain players as they ran on to celebrate.
talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham added: “That Paredes punch after the full-time whistle, honestly. He needs to be done for that. Something needs to be done about these Argentinians.
“Argentina are a total embarrassment to the game, an embarrassment to the World Cup.
“In fact, they have been an embarrassment all along really, apart from that 20 minutes against England.
“Drawn in the easiest group in World Cup history, made hard work in the knockouts against Cape Verde, needed Egypt to grab defeat from the jaws of victory to get through to the quarters, where Switzerland shot themselves in the foot with a needless red card.
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“England in the semis were on top, handed it on a plate to Argentina, who came here to the final and totally embarrassed themselves.
‘Argentina are impossible to like’
“Let’s face it, Argentina have had a ridiculous list of decisions come their way in this tournament,” talkSPORT’s Durham continued.
“Decisions that have led to all sorts of conspiracy theories that you hope aren’t true, but can’t help wondering, can you?
“The lack of red for Messi in the group stage was predictably shocking.
“No punishment for a Falklands banner held up by the players after beating England.
“A terrible refereeing decision even gave Argentina a chance at the end of extra time here in the final.
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“Argentina are cheats; they’re impossible to like. The beautiful game of football is the winner at this World Cup final.”
Record-breaking Spain
With another clean sheet, the exceptional Spain conceded just once in the entire tournament, setting a new record for fewest goals shipped at any World Cup in history – and this one had more games than any other.
Meanwhile, there will be no second fairytale for the 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who is expected to call time on his international career before the 2030 World Cup.
England fans, meanwhile, may take some solace in a red card costing Argentina after a feisty semi-final defeat.
