Lamine Yamal jabbed a finger at a sign mocking Argentina’s Leandro Paredes as Spain celebrated their acrimonious World Cup final win in front of around two million fans in Madrid on Monday.
Joking atop a bus carrying Spain’s squad to a ceremony in the capital, Yamal and teammates including Fabian Ruiz laughed as they held up a sign calling Paredes’ shocking post-match altercation with Gavi the “event of the year”.
“VELADA DEL AÑO VII, PAREDES VS GAVI”.
Lamine Yamal, pidiendo UNA PELEA DE BOXEO entre ambos jugadores, tras el cruce post Final del Mundo. 😳🇦🇷🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/iBhbgBOYxw https://t.co/hW3Lz4d47A
— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) July 20, 2026
The champions were in a suitably ecstatic mood as their made their way through the streets before the likes of head coach Luis de la Fuente and full-back Marc Cucurella sung on stage alongside musicians.
Barcelona’s Yamal has had an extraordinary eight days, having turned 19 last Monday, helped Spain beat France in the semi-finals last Tuesday and gone all the way at his first World Cup with the victory in New Jersey.
Spain vs Argentina: What happened between Paredes and Gavi
Partly fuelled by Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s late second booking for a rash challenge, the game between the 2022 winners and the reigning European champions was frequently fractious.
Tempers flared in violent fashion after Spain’s extra-time win courtesy of Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute strike.
Boca Juniors midfielder Paredes pushed Spain counterpart Gavi to the ground in the most noticeable altercation as players from both sides attacked each other in an unedifying end to the most prestigious match in world football.
World Cup final 2026: Rodri praises Ferran Torres
Player of the tournament Rodri confessed he was lost for words at the ceremony, although the Manchester City midfielder led supporter chants for full-back Marc Cucurella, who played the drums at one point during the festivities.
“These lads here are amazing,” Rodri said, via AS. “I’d like to remember someone very important to me – a player who has been unfairly criticised and who today is a part of Spanish football history: Ferran.”
De la Fuente, who also led his team to the EURO title two years ago, thanked the nation.
“We are fortunate to have 26 fantastic people who are fantastic footballers,” added the 65-year-old. “The best in the world.
“It is an honour to manage them and share this moment with my coaching staff. Together, we are stronger – don’t forget that. Long live Spain.”
World Cup 2026: What Ferran Torres, Pedro Sanchez said
Barcelona’s Torres said he was “so happy” to see children enjoying the occasion. “We must always keep believing, because everything comes in time,” he told LA 1.
“I’m literally flying, because we’re back from New York. The goal… everything comes with hard work, and this time it has been like that.”
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said La Roja could add to their two World Cup titles when they host the finals with Portugal and Morocco in 2030.
“I want to thank the [Spanish Football] Federation,” said Sanchez. “I know it’s a big effort for them to come and share this victory with everyone.
“A huge thank you to the coaching staff and the players for their performance, their effort and the win. We thoroughly enjoyed watching you play.
“Why not dream of a third in 2030? Especially with Spain as the host country.”
