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Spain's FIFA World Cup Final match winner, Ferran Torres, has spoken out about the post-game brawl -Credit:Alex Pantling - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images
Spain claimed its second FIFA World Cup title this summer with a 1-0 victory over Argentina, and match-winner Ferran Torres has already extended an olive branch to the opposition following a post-match brawl that erupted moments after the final whistle.
Torres proved the difference maker for Spain, netting in the 106th minute to deliver his nation its first World Cup title since 2010. However, seconds after the referee's final whistle, Argentina's Leandro Paredes was caught on camera grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground.
Paredes has refused to offer any apology and has continued to court controversy back in Argentina with Boca Juniors. FIFA is currently investigating Paredes alongside two other Argentine players, though Torres has made clear he is ready to draw a line under the incident, as per The Mirror US.
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FIFA has opened an investigation into the post-World Cup Final chaos involving several Argentine players -Credit:Howard Smith/ISI Photos, ISI Photos via Getty Images
The post-game confrontation centered on Paredes, but teammates Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are also under scrutiny. Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi are additionally being monitored, albeit less rigorously.
"In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course," FIFA said in a statement.
The cases involving Paredes, Molina, and Ayala are considered the most severe and could lead to significant bans. FIFA is also reportedly looking into the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over alleged regulatory violations during multiple World Cup games.
The post-match brawl momentarily interrupted Spain's celebrations, though Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni did his utmost to defuse the tension. "This kind of situation is not good, never," Torres told NBC.
"But yeah, it can happen when you lose a World Cup final because the passion is there - and Argentina, they have always a lot of passion. But yeah, we forgive them, and hopefully it never happens again."
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While the ugly postgame scenes dampened the occasion, Spain were worthy World Cup champions and made the most of their celebrations. "I talked with my friends, and for me, it was a more exciting moment when I saw my teammates coming running, for two minutes, than even when I scored a goal," Torres added.
The players celebrated on the field before being presented with the World Cup trophy, which President Donald Trump handed to captain Rodri. Trump then refused to vacate the stage, prompting Spain to edit him out of photographs as the squad lifted the trophy.
It was a landmark moment for Torres, who had faced fierce criticism during Spain's opening World Cup fixture. Torres was singled out during a shock 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, but ultimately emerged as the match-winner.
Torres also conquered adversity during his stint in England with Manchester City; despite claiming the Premier League title, he returned to Spain not long afterward. He has since been working alongside a sports psychologist and delivered an outstanding season with Barcelona ahead of the World Cup.
"We have to take care about our mental health because it's the most important thing, I think," Torres said. "We know the pressure that we have around us, and yeah, we have to, to take care and talk about this because it's not a, it's not good."
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