Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has criticised Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes over his conduct during the chaotic scenes that followed the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
Spain won the World Cup with a 106th minute extra-time goal from Ferran Torres after keeping Argentina without a shot on target in normal time.
Tensions flared at the end of the match after Enzo Fernandez was sent off before the final whistle, while Paredes, who had earlier been booked, remained on the pitch.
A post-match brawl then erupted, with Nahuel Molina striking Rodri, Paredes kicking Eric Garcia and dragging Gavi to the ground, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala reportedly appeared to punch Dani Olmo.
Speaking during his punditry role on Fox Sports, Ibrahimovic condemned Paredes’ actions and said he would have reacted differently.
He said: “Paredes can be happy there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It is unprofessional behaviour from him.”
The former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United striker also questioned the reaction of the Spain players during the altercation.
He added: “I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing?
“They are just watching another player hit their team-mate.”
Ibrahimovic also announced that he was stepping away from television punditry after covering the tournament for Fox Sports.
He said: “I have talked a lot during the past month and a half, but these will be my last words.”
Addressing his colleagues and viewers, Ibrahimovic added: “Alexi [Lalas], Thierry, Rebecca [Lowe], thank you.
“It has been my pleasure to share this studio with you.
“I also thank Fox, the United States and everyone who watched.
“I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
“This is my last visit to the studio.
“For me, this was the first and last time.”
Ibrahimovic worked throughout the World Cup alongside fellow pundits Thierry Henry, Alexi Lalas and presenter Rebecca Lowe.
