Argentina’s World Cup exit ends in disgraceful scenes

Argentina ended their World Cup campaign with disgraceful scenes after the final whistle. The country’s reign as world champions was ended by Spain’s 1-0 victory on Sunday. They had attempted to stifle their opponents and didn't register a shot until the 117th minute after they had been undone by Ferran Torres’ strike in extra-time.

Several Argentine stars’ reactions to the result led to embarrassing post-match scenes, which are under investigation by FIFA. A 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.”

In addition to violent conduct, the disciplinary and ethics prosecutor will help the investigation determine whether Argentina breached Article 13 of the disciplinary code, regarding offensive behaviour and principles of fair play. Serious breaches have previously led to lengthy suspensions, which could apply to any Argentina players or staff found to have broken the rules.

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Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales was given a three-year ban for kissing Jenni Hermoso after the Women's World Cup final. Luis Suarez was also infamously given a four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup 2014.

Argentina were already under investigation before the World Cup final, with a long list of controversies following them through the tournament.

Leandro Paredes and the first major flashpoints

Midfielder Leandro Paredes, whose reported post-match red card has been removed from FIFA’s records, pushed Spain defender Eric Garcia's throat before kicking him. He was also involved in a confrontation with Gavi, whom he grabbed before pushing him to the ground.

The post-match scenes appeared to start after Argentina defender Nahuel Molina seemingly struck Spain skipper Rodri in the stomach. The Manchester City midfielder had run on the pitch to celebrate with his team-mates but stopped to confront Molina after the incident.

Further controversy has since emerged, as footage showed Argentina legend and current assistant coach Roberto Ayala appearing to throw a punch at Spain's Dani Olmo after the game.

These three moments have overshadowed the World Cup final and Argentina were involved in several other contentious incidents during the tournament.

Argentina's midfielder #05 Leandro Paredes (top) clashes with Spain's midfielder #09 Gavi during the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026

Argentina's midfielder #05 Leandro Paredes (top) clashes with Spain's midfielder #09 Gavi during the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026

Messi, Mac Allister and Argentina's tournament disciplinary issues

Lionel Messi kick-started his World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria but the Argentine icon was arguably fortunate to still be on the pitch shortly after his opening goal. The veteran forward appeared to plant his studs on the right leg of opposition defender Aissa Mandi. Messi did not receive a yellow card for the challenge from Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, while VAR did not intervene as it was not deemed a red card offence.

Algeria subsequently lodged a complaint over alleged poor refereeing. Their complaint also highlighted an incident involving Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who also went unpunished after catching Ibrahim Maza in the face with his elbow in the 74th minute.

Mac Allister found himself at the centre of discussions in Argentina’s second group game against Austria. Messi opened the scoring in a 2-0 win, overtaking Miroslav Klose’s record for World Cup goals. However, his record-breaking strike arguably should not have stood.

Replays appeared to show Mac Allister fouling Austria's Xaver Schlager to win possession for Argentina in the build-up to the goal, but VAR did not intervene.

Argentina required a remarkable comeback to produce a 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16. However, Egypt felt their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals had been hampered by two refereeing decisions.

The Pharaohs saw a goal controversially ruled out following VAR intervention. Upon review, referee Francois Letexier judged that Marwan Ateya had fouled Lisandro Martinez at the start of Egypt’s attacking move at the other end of the pitch. However, late in the game, Egypt were denied a penalty for an alleged foul on Mohamed Salah shortly before Argentina’s winning goal.

Egypt filed a complaint to FIFA over the two decisions and manager Hossam Hassan made his thoughts clear.

“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.”

Argentina benefited from one of the new rules implemented at the World Cup during their quarter-final win over Switzerland. Portuguese referee Joao Pinheir had initially shown Paredes a yellow card. However, that decision was reversed under the new ‘mistaken identity’ rule after footage showed that Breel Embolo had dived, with the card awarded to the Swiss forward instead. Unfortunately for Embolo, he had already been booked and was sent off during a crucial match in bizarre circumstances.

There were question marks raised over the use of the mistaken identity rule in this scenario, which changed the offence from a foul by Paredes to simulation by Embolo. UEFA has since instructed its officials not to deem potential simulations as mistaken identity cases. UEFA believes mistaken identity should apply to factual decisions, be applied to the same offence and not require on-field reviews, while simulation is a subjective call that would require referees to re-examine the incident.

England defeat, Falklands banner and Bellingham clash

England suffered a semi-final defeat to Argentina after succumbing to two late goals. Away from the questions raised over Thomas Tuchel’s tactics, the game was marred by two notable post-match incidents.

During Argentina’s celebrations on the pitch, several players held up a banner that read:

“Las Malvinas son Argentinas (The Falklands are Argentine).”

A reference to the British overseas territory and the 1982 Falklands War, FIFA is investigating the incident and Argentinian officials are reportedly expecting a fine of $20,000.

Argentina players with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands

After the final whistle, Jude Belligham was also seen confronting Argentina’s Valentin Barco. Bellingham appeared to slap Barco but the exact reason for the flashpoint is unknown. Barco had antagonised England players earlier in the match with his celebrations for Argentina's winning goal.

After the final whistle, Bellingham had shaken hands with an Argentine player before spotting Barco joining a group of his team-mates and exchanging words with the defender.

Full list of Argentina's 11 biggest World Cup controversies

Leandro Paredes attacking Spain stars Nahuel Molina hitting Rodri Roberto Ayala strikes Dani Olmo Lionel Messi escapes red card Alexis Mac Allister elbow goes unpunished Alexis Mac Allister foul not reviewed Egypt goal disallowed Egypt denied penalty Mistaken identity red card Falklands banner Jude Bellingham clashes with Valentin Barco

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