Spain midfielder Gavi has said he does not believe Argentina's Leandro Paredes should face suspension for his role in the post-match brawl following the World Cup final, as FIFA opened an investigation into Argentina's conduct. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 with a Ferran Torres goal in extra time in the final held on 20 July in New Jersey.
The match ended in a melee in which Nahuel Molina struck Rodri and Paredes grabbed Eric García by the neck before Gavi intervened. Roberto Ayala was also seen hitting Dani Olmo during the scuffle. Paredes later released a statement expressing pride in representing Argentina despite the loss.
Gavi, who along with Fabián Ruiz was honoured in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Seville, with a ceremony where they received their weight in tomatoes, told reporters on 21 July that such incidents are part of football and neither Paredes nor Molina deserved bans for their involvement.