Argentina will reportedly renew hostilities with Spain in just a few months following their ill-tempered clash in the World Cup final. The two nations went head-to-head for football’s biggest prize on Sunday, with Argentina hunting back-to-back titles and Spain chasing their second star. Eventually, an extra-time winner courtesy of Ferran Torres saw La Roja lift the iconic golden trophy.
The match was fairly unremarkable, with Spain dominating for much of the contest before finally breaking through in the 116th minute. Argentina were reduced in numbers when Enzo Fernandez was sent off in a moment of madness near the end of normal time. Tempers continued to flare after the final whistle as violence erupted on the MetLife Stadium pitch.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was at the heart of the melee, throwing punches and kicks at opposing players as they celebrated their victory.
Others were dragged in as the situation began to spiral out of control, although order was restored before the medals were handed out and the trophy was lifted by Spain. FIFA have since launched an investigation into the unsavoury scenes.
As a result of the post-match violence, which could result in punishment for Argentina, there is no shortage of ill feeling between the two nations and their rivalry is set to resume in only a few months.
That’s because they will meet in the rescheduled Finalissima, the one-off game between the Copa America winners and the reigning European champions.
The fixture was initially set to take place in March, with Lusail Stadium in Qatar pencilled in as the venue. However, it never happened following the outbreak of war in the Middle East.
A number of alternative venues were reportedly considered, but no contingency plans were put into action and the match was ultimately abandoned.
Organisers are pushing to reschedule the fixture in December, according to ESPN, with Lusail Stadium once again poised to host it.
It’s claimed that the Qatari government have already acquired the rights to stage the match in their country, in accordance with the original plan.
The new date is yet to be confirmed by UEFA and CONMEBOL, but everything suggests an announcement could be made in due course.
It remains to be seen if the hostility between Spain and Argentina will spill over into the Finalissima, which will represent the next opportunity to add to their respective trophy cabinets.