Tempers boiled over after the World Cup final as Argentinan and Spanish players became involved in a heated confrontation following Spain's 1-0 victory.
Shocking scenes unfolded at full-time when Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to throw Gavi to the ground before grabbing Eric Garcia around the neck during the post-match chaos.
Eric Garcia. Christian Bertrand, Shutterstock
The 32-year-old midfielder has now entered the World Cup record books, but for the wrong reason, after reportedly receiving a red card for alleged violent conduct despite the match already being over.
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Argentina defender Nahuel Molina also appeared to swing towards Spain captain Rodri during the celebrations, adding to the tense scenes as emotions spilled over following the final whistle.
Gavi. Katatonia82, Shutterstock
The defeat was a difficult night for Argentina, who also finished the match with a red card. Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card.
Enzo Fernández. Shutterstock
Fernández's first booking came for dissent, while his second was shown after a late challenge as he attempted to win a loose ball. Pau Cubarsí reached the ball first before Fernández made contact, leaving the referee with no option but to issue another yellow card.
Lionel Messi from Argentina National Team with the Fifa World Cup 2023. Fibericia, Shutterstock
Argentina have now received more red cards in World Cup finals than any other nation in the tournament's history.
There have been just six red cards shown in World Cup final matches, with Zinedine Zidane the last player to be dismissed during a final after his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 final.
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina football manager. Celso Pupo, Shutterstock
The dramatic ending followed a heartbreaking night for Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who broke down in tears during his post-match press conference.
The 48-year-old was hoping to become only the second manager in history to win back-to-back World Cups after leading Argentina to victory in Qatar 2022.
However, Spain proved too strong, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal in extra time to secure a 1-0 win and add the World Cup to their European Championship success under manager Luis de la Fuente.
Scaloni's contract expires in December, and he admitted he was unsure about his future.
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"I will talk to the president," he said. "I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract and I feel the need, I don't know if something as big can be done. We need to speak this through."
He added: "I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment. It was a dream place for everyone. We have tried up until the very last minute to give our utmost, the staff and players. I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through."
Speaking through tears, Scaloni said: "Bear with me, I don't know if I can continue."
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina football manager. Lev Radin, Shutterstock
He continued: "This place is wonderful, it is a dream place. We would never have imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place.
"In order to continue you need a great deal of things, especially resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again. That is very difficult to create again."
The emotional manager eventually stood up, apologised and ended the press conference early.
"It's really painful, I am very sorry," he said.
