
Paredes sent off in Argentina–Spain brawl after Pedri's taunts
Leandro Paredes was shown a red card by referee Vincic after a heated altercation with Spain players at the final whistle of an Argentina–Spain match. According to Lisandro Martinez, Pedri approached Paredes and mocked him, suggesting that without Messi, Argentina's World Cup prospects were finished. Paredes then lost his composure and lunged at Eric Garcia, pushing him and throwing a punch that struck the Spaniard's face. Gavi intervened from behind but was overwhelmed by Paredes's fury and also caught up in the melee. Thiago Almada attempted to calm Paredes but was unable to prevent him from attacking the grounded Gavi. The pair were separated and removed from the field just metres from the referee, who immediately brandished the red card. The former Roma and Juventus midfielder's dismissal was swift, though the exact sequence of events remains contested. Footage shows Paredes engaging Eric Garcia directly before his assault, while the accounts from Argentine players suggest Pedri's provocation was the spark. Given the severity of his actions on camera, Paredes faces the prospect of a suspension longer than a single match.








