Leandro Paredes has faced harsh criticism from British football pundits after his controversial post-match behaviour following Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey. The intense contest deteriorated into chaos at full-time, resulting in Paredes being shown a red card for his involvement in the disorderly scenes.

Violent post-match clash erupts

Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain after extra time was overshadowed by a violent confrontation moments after referee Slavko Vincic signalled the end of the match. Footage showed Paredes grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and throwing Gavi to the turf, while Nahuel Molina was caught striking Rodri during Spain’s celebrations. The incident drew strong condemnation from well-known English pundits such as Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, and Micah Richards, who described the behaviour as deeply embarrassing.

Argentina face sharp criticism

The commentators expressed their disapproval over Argentina’s lack of sportsmanship in defeat, although captain Lionel Messi received widespread praise for his composure and dignity.

Highlighting this contrast, BBC pundit Joe Hart remarked: “There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”

Commending Spain’s performance, Hart added that La Roja fully deserved their victory, secured thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive goal: “Spain fully deserve it. They have been absolutely superb all tournament. They have dominated all game against a rigid, rugged Argentina. The best team has won this World Cup.”

Criticism intensified as many pointed out that this kind of aggression was not new for Lionel Scaloni’s side, recalling similar incidents during their semi-final win over England.

Reflecting on that pattern, Rooney commented: “Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this with Argentina before. It’s just not the reaction you want. We saw some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them.”

Rooney went on to add that such aggression was merely a cover for being outclassed on the field: “That’s a reaction to them being outplayed, out-fought, out-thought on the football pitch, and then they resort to that at the end. It’s poor from those two players.”

Paredes branded a 'disgrace'

Expressing disbelief over Paredes’ behaviour, Gary Neville stated on ITV Sport: “They’re very competitive and I love that element of them, but [Paredes] has just been a disgrace for the last couple of games, and why the referees have allowed him to continue doing what he is doing...”

Echoing Neville’s words, Micah Richards criticised the lack of professionalism displayed, saying on the BBC: “It’s quite embarrassing really. In the game, they were just on the edge every single time. Paredes doesn’t need to do that, he’s better than that, and it doesn’t stop there – it keeps going and going and going. We all know what it’s like to lose a game, we can be very frustrated, but this is not good enough – it’s not a good look at all.”

Former England defender Lee Dixon also offered his thoughts on how football ultimately triumphed over negative tactics, saying: “You have to say, especially after those scenes just then, well done Spain. Football has been the winner, there’s no doubt about that. They’re a deserved team to win it on the day.”

He continued: “Throughout the tournament they’ve gotten better and better, conceding one goal in a World Cup tournament just says everything you need to know about how organised and creative they are.

They’ve got pace down the wings and they’re good to watch. On the other hand, today, Argentina were just anti-football, and the scenes at the end, how Paredes is still on the pitch, I’ll never know. I counted six or seven times he should have been sent off.

[Messi’s] legacy coming to an end. Wasn’t at his best today, wasn’t allowed to be.”

Heavy FIFA sanctions likely

The post-match incidents involving Paredes and Molina are expected to result in significant FIFA disciplinary action. Enzo Fernandez also faces suspension after receiving a red card at the end of regular time for a second bookable offence. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has yet to confirm whether he will retire from international football, despite widespread expectations that this World Cup would be his last.