Lamine Yamal stomps Argentina as Spain tease World Cup final: ‘Event of the year’
Lamine Yamal jabbed his finger in derision at Argentina’s Leandro Paredes as Spain celebrated their World Cup final victory in front of around two million fans in Madrid on Monday.
Joking on the bus carrying the Spanish team to the event 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 high spirits as they passed through the streets before players such as coach Luis de la Fuente and defender Marc Cucurella took to the stage along with the singers.
Barcelona’s Yamal has had an incredible eight days, having turned 19 last Monday, helping Spain beat France in the semi-finals last Tuesday and reach their first World Cup with victory in New Jersey.
Spain vs Argentina: What happened between Paredes and Gavi
Partly inspired by Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s second late booking for a rash challenge, the match between the 2022 winners and the reigning European champions was often chaotic.
Tempers erupted in violent form after Spain won in extra time with a Ferran Torres strike in the 106th minute.
Boca Juniors midfielder Paredes pushed down his Spanish team-mate Gavi in a highly-remarkable tussle as players from both teams clashed in an unsatisfying fashion for world football’s most prestigious game.
2026 World Cup final: Rodri praises Ferran Torres
Player of the tournament Rodri admitted he was at a loss for words at the ceremony, although the Manchester City midfielder led the chants from fans with Marc Cucurella, who played the drums at one point during the festivities.
“These guys here are amazing,” said Rodri, via AS. “I would like to remember a person who is very important to me – a player who has been unfairly criticized and who today is part of the history of Spanish football: Ferran.”
De la Fuente, who also led his team to win the EURO title two years ago, thanked the nation.
“We are lucky to have 26 good people who are good football players,” added the 65-year-old. “The best in the world.
“It’s an honor to manage and share this moment with my coaching staff. Together, we are strong – don’t forget that. Long live Spain.”
2026 World Cup: What Ferran Torres, Pedro Sanchez say
Barcelona’s Torres said he was “very happy” to see the children enjoying the event. “We have to keep believing, because everything comes in time,” he told LA 1.
“I’m literally flying, because we’re coming back from New York. The goal… everything comes with hard work, and this time it was.”
The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, said that La Roja could add to their two World Cup titles if they host the final against Portugal and Morocco in 2030.
“I want to thank you [Spanish Football] Federation,” said Sanchez.
“We are very grateful to the coaching staff and the players for their work, their effort and the victory. We really enjoyed watching you play.”
“Why not dream of a third in 2030? Especially Spain as the host country.”
