FIFA to investigate Argentina's conduct after fiery World Cup final

After 106 goalless minutes, Ferran Torres broke the deadlock, calmly slotting home the winner to hand Spain their second World Cup title.

Reflecting on the decisive goal, Torres said it was scored by "47 million people"—a reference to Spain's population.

Spain dominate before Torres strikes

Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo for much of the contest, creating several chances before finally finding the breakthrough in extra time.

Torres' winner proved enough to seal a 1-0 victory over the defending champions in a match that largely tilted in Spain's favour.

Tempers boil over after final whistle

Celebrations quickly gave way to chaos as players from both teams became involved in heated confrontations immediately after the match.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat during one altercation, while defender Nahuel Molina appeared to punch a Spanish player in the stomach.

Paredes was also involved in another incident in which he tackled Gavi to the ground, shoved him in the face and appeared to kick a boot towards the young Spanish midfielder.

Meanwhile, Molina allegedly swung a punch at Spain captain Rodri, prompting an angry confrontation between the two players.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was seen attempting to calm the situation as tensions escalated.

FIFA reportedly launches investigation

According to Sky News, FIFA is set to investigate Argentina's conduct during the post-match melee.

Former England captain Alan Shearer strongly criticised the scenes while speaking on the BBC.

"Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that," Shearer said.

"We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible."

Fresh controversy at medal ceremony

Argentina also drew criticism during the medal presentation.

According to TalkSPORT, several Argentine players appeared to turn their backs while Spain collected the World Cup trophy in the presence of US President Donald Trump.

Former England defender Stuart Pearce said the gesture stood out during the celebrations.

"When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their backs to the trophy lift," Pearce said.

The incidents have added a controversial postscript to a World Cup final that had promised to be remembered for Spain's footballing excellence but may now also be recalled for the ill-tempered scenes that followed the final whistle.