‘I Didn’t Punch Him’ – Argentina Coach Reveals What He Did to Spain’s Dani Olmo

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has denied reports claiming he punched Spain midfielder Dani Olmo following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting the incident involved only a push.

Ayala also revealed that he intends to apologise personally to the Spanish international when the opportunity arises.

The controversy followed Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to hand La Roja their second world title.

The encounter ended in dramatic fashion after Argentina were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a red card for a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi early in extra time.

Despite a heroic display from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made a record 11 saves in a World Cup final, Lionel Scaloni’s side could not prevent Torres from breaking the deadlock with an assist from fellow substitute Nico Williams.

Emotions boiled over after the final whistle as players and coaching staff from both teams became involved in heated confrontations on the pitch.

Reports circulating after the match alleged that Ayala had struck Dani Olmo during the melee, but the former Argentina defender has now rejected those claims.

“It was more of a push than anything else. It wasn’t a punch as they are trying to portray,” Ayala said.

The former centre-back acknowledged that emotions ran high after the heartbreaking defeat and expressed his willingness to make amends.

“If I encounter Dani Olmo, I will apologise to him in person,” he added.

Ayala enjoyed a distinguished international career with Argentina, representing the country at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.

His final World Cup appearance came in Germany in 2006, where Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals by hosts Germany in a penalty shootout.

That squad featured current Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and a young Lionel Messi, who was making his World Cup debut under Jose Pekerman.

Ayala has remained part of Argentina’s coaching staff since Scaloni took charge and played an important role in the team’s recent successes, including their 2022 World Cup triumph, before their title defence ended with defeat to Spain in the 2026 final.