Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the World Cup final with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. The match possibly Lionel Messi's last on football's biggest stage ended in ugly scenes both on the pitch and in the streets of Buenos Aires.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle for kicking and shoving Spain's Eric Garcia while Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Rodri. Enzo Fernandez had already been dismissed in the 93rd minute leaving Argentina a man down in extra time.
Pundits condemned the behaviour. Alan Shearer called Paredes's conduct "a disgrace," while Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney said Argentina had reacted poorly in defeat by recalling similar incidents after their win over England in the previous round.
Violence also broke out in Buenos Aires where thousands had gathered to watch the match. Clashes erupted near the Obelisk monument around 11:45pm when fans tried to breach protective barricades and hurled bottles at police.
Officers responded with tear gas and water cannon. At least 15 people were detained with several injured and their conditions remain unknown.
