World Cup Final: Gavi Urges FIFA Not to Punish Argentina Players

Spain midfielder Gavi has urged FIFA not to impose further sanctions on Argentina players involved in the altercation that erupted after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting that the incident should be considered part of the emotions of football.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time on Sunday in New Jersey to lift their second FIFA World Cup title and become the first nation to simultaneously hold the men’s and women’s World Cup trophies.

However, the celebrations were overshadowed by a confrontation between players from both teams immediately after the final whistle.

The incident involved several players, with reports indicating that Argentina defender Nahuel Molina struck Spain midfielder Rodri, while Leandro Paredes confronted both Gavi and Eric Garcia. Another heated exchange reportedly occurred between Nicolas Otamendi and Rodri as players and officials from both teams attempted to restore calm.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez had earlier been sent off during the match after receiving two yellow cards, leaving Argentina to finish the closing stages of extra time with ten men.

Speaking to reporters from his hometown in Spain, Gavi appealed to football’s world governing body not to impose additional punishments on the Argentine players involved in the confrontation.

“I don’t think they should be suspended. I understand that this doesn’t present a good image for the kids, but football has always had a more aggressive and intense side,” Gavi said, according to Barca Universal.

The Barcelona midfielder argued that the disciplinary action taken during the match was sufficient and that the post-match confrontation should not attract further sanctions.

“For me, it made sense for them to be punished with a red card to Enzo during the match and for the matter to end there. I see that everything that happened is part of football,” he added.

The comments come as FIFA reviews reports from match officials and disciplinary observers following the heated scenes that concluded the tournament.

The governing body is expected to determine whether any additional disciplinary measures are necessary based on the conduct of players after the final whistle.

Spain’s victory ended Argentina’s hopes of defending the title they won in Qatar in 2022, while the final also marked the likely end of Lionel Messi’s World Cup career after six tournament appearances with La Albiceleste.