Over the course of the 2026 World Cup, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made a fair few headlines with his punditry. His comments after the final between Spain and Argentina are perhaps the most explosive yet.

While the game was somewhat short of quality, it wasn’t lacking for drama. First, Enzo Fernandez got himself a red card just before the game went to extra time; Lionel Messi then tried to get Marc Cucurella sent off; before Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game to win the tournament.

In defeat, Argentina were less than gracious losers, with Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala among the angriest. Their poor behaviour has sparked a firm response from Ibrahimovic, who slammed one man in particular.

Ibrahimovic Tears Into Argentina Midfielder

Daniele Mascolo via Reuters

TV broadcasters showed replays of Paredes targeting Eric Garcia, grabbing the former Manchester City man by the throat, before clashing with Gavi. The Argentine appeared to throw a punch at the Barcelona midfielder and toss him to the floor before Lionel Scaloni and others rushed over to break up the fight.

Ibrahimovic, however, was actually critical of the rest of the Spain squad who didn’t rush in to respond more violently to Paredes’ actions. He claimed he would have ‘headbutted’ the 32-year-old if he was on the pitch, explaining:

It’s trademark fiery analysis from Ibrahimovic, but fans shouldn’t get used to it as the Swede announced his retirement from punditry duties soon after. Having worked for Fox Sports across the World Cup, he explained:

“I have talked a lot during the past month and a half, but these will be my last words. Alexi [Lalas], Thierry [Henry], 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.”

Paredes Faces FIFA Punishment Despite Avoiding Red Card

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The incredible thing is that although Paredes appeared to rightfully be sent off for his behaviour, FIFA have since claimed that no red card was actually given. Reports claim that, contrary to reports, no disciplinary action was taken against the player at the time.

As such, despite his obvious head loss, the Argentine did not become the seventh player to be shown a red card in a World Cup final. That does not mean he will avoid retrospective disciplinary action, though, as FIFA have now begun their investigation.

Speaking for the first time on social media after the event, Paredes avoided talking about the scrap and instead thanked Argentina fans for their support. He added: “Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves – but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again!

“Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team—to this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.”