It was one of the remarkable scenes at the end of the 2026 World Cup. Following Spain’s victory over Argentina in the final on Sunday, violence erupted on the pitch at MetLife Stadium in New York, USA. If Leandro Paredes has remained in the spotlight in recent days, Roberto Ayala has also moved away. Lionel Scaloni’s assistant hit Spaniard Dani Olmo after the final whistle.
A guest on the Esports Migdia show on Valencia Capital Radio, the former Albiceleste central defender (115 caps) expressed his guilt after this gesture. “Obviously, I’m very sorry. Given my situation, I can’t allow feelings or what I may receive from another person to influence my mood and dictate my actions. I regret that,” he explained.
Investigation launched by FIFA?
Although he admits he made a mistake, the former Valencia player still denies punching Dani Olmo, saying he initially wanted to separate the players mid-fight. “For me, we will have to turn the page. It was more of a push than anything, not a blow as they claim. It was a reaction to something he said, that’s all. If I meet him, I will obviously apologize to him in person,” he assured.
According to the BBC, FIFA will begin a procedure into the clashes that occurred after the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. In particular, we are talking about Nahuel Molina, the author of the attacks on Rodri, and especially about Leandro Paredes, guilty of several acts of brutality against La Roja players.