NEW JERSEY, JUL 20 (AGENCIES): The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina in New York will be remembered not only for Spain’s historic triumph but also for the dramatic controversies that unfolded around the match. While Spain lifted the coveted trophy, Argentina’s campaign ended in chaos, with disciplinary issues, emotional farewells, and post-match disputes overshadowing the closing ceremony. From red cards and heated confrontations to Lionel Messi’s last World Cup appearance ending in turmoil, the final produced a series of side stories that dominated headlines and sparked global debate.
Enzo Fernández sent off in final
Argentina’s midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a red card during the second half of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain. The dismissal came after a reckless challenge that left Argentina playing with ten men in a crucial stage of the match. The decision sparked heated protests from Argentine players and coaching staff, adding tension to an already high-stakes encounter.
Messi’s last World Cup ends in controversy
The final marked Lionel Messi’s last FIFA World Cup appearance, but instead of a celebratory farewell, his exit was overshadowed by controversy. Messi was visibly frustrated with refereeing decisions and the overall conduct of the match. His final moments on the world stage ended in disappointment, with Argentina unable to secure the trophy and the legendary forward leaving amidst chaos and debate over officiating standards.
Leandro Paredes punch sparks chaos
After the final whistle, Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was involved in a shocking incident, throwing a punch at a Spanish player during post-match confrontations. The altercation escalated tensions between both teams, forcing officials and security personnel to intervene quickly. FIFA is expected to review the incident, with disciplinary action likely against Paredes for violent conduct.
Coaching staff joins the fracas and attacks players
The ugly scenes weren’t limited to the players, as members of the Argentine backroom staff actively joined the physical altercations. According to reports from The Independent, video footage captured Argentina’s assistant coach Roberto Ayala striking Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo and grabbing Eric García around the neck.
Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino heavily booed
Political tension spilled into the stadium during the official trophy presentation. U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were loudly booed by the crowd at MetLife Stadium as they walked onto the pitch to hand out medals. Reports from DW News noted that tournament hero Rodri even appeared to subtly usher Trump away from the center stage so the team could celebrate independently.
Argentina walks out of prize ceremony
In an unprecedented move, the Argentina team walked out before the completion of the prize distribution ceremony, refusing to stay for Spain’s trophy presentation. The walkout was seen as a protest against refereeing decisions and the handling of post-match incidents. The gesture drew sharp criticism from FIFA officials, who emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and respect for the tournament’s traditions.
Spain’s hero Torres played FIFA U-17 World Cup in Assam
Spain’s FIFA World Cup-winning player Ferran Torres, whose decisive goal against Argentina secured his country’s triumph in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, has a little-known connection with Assam.
Long before emerging as Spain’s World Cup hero on football’s biggest stage, Torres had showcased his talent at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai in Guwahati during the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by India in 2017.
The Spanish attacker was part of the Spain side that faced France in a Group D encounter at the Guwahati venue on October 17, 2017. Spain defeated France 2-1 in a closely contested match then, with Torres among the standout young players who impressed thousands of football enthusiasts packed into the stadium.
At the time, Torres was regarded as one of Spain’s brightest emerging prospects. Few could have predicted that the teenager who thrilled spectators in Guwahati would, nearly a decade later, score the goal that would hand Spain the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy. Torres etched his name into football history after finding the net in the World Cup final against Argentina, helping Spain lift the prestigious title and capping an outstanding tournament with the defining moment of his international career. His rise from a promising youth international to a World Cup-winning star has also rekindled memories of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Assam, an event widely regarded as a landmark moment for football in the state.
Guwahati was one of the host cities for the global age-group tournament and welcomed several future international stars who have since established themselves at the highest level of world football. The matches at Sarusajai gave local fans a rare opportunity to watch many of the game’s brightest young talents before they became household names.
With Torres now joining the elite list of World Cup final match-winners, football lovers in Assam can proudly recall that the Spanish forward’s journey on the global stage had once passed through Guwahati, years before he delivered the goal that crowned Spain world champions.
Full list of FIFA World Cup 2026 award winners
Golden Ball: Rodri (Spain)
Silver Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Bronze Ball: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Silver Boot: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Bronze Boot: Jude Bellingham (England)
Golden Glove: Unai Simon (Spain)
FIFA Young Player Award: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
FIFA Fair Play Trophy: The Netherlands