Yamal’s Parade Sign Turns Paredes-Gavi Brawl Into Celebrity Boxing Punchline

Two million people packed the streets of Madrid to celebrate Spain’s 1-0 World Cup final win over Argentina, and Lamine Yamal made sure the day’s most viral moment was aimed squarely at the man who turned the final whistle into a street fight.

Yamal and teammate Fabian Ruiz held up a sign during the open-top bus parade that read “Velada del Año VII: Paredes vs Gavi” — a reference to La Velada del Año, the annual Spanish celebrity boxing event created by streamer Ibai Llanos that has drawn massive crowds to venues including the Bernabéu and the Metropolitano. Yamal pointed at the sign as cameras followed him, then held it up for the crowd. The joke: that Leandro Paredes and Gavi’s post-final scuffle deserved a spot on the next fight card.

The brawl that inspired the sign was ugly. After the final whistle, Paredes grabbed Spanish defender Eric Garcia by the throat and then shoved Gavi to the ground, sparking a melee between both squads. Enzo Fernandez had already been sent off in normal time for a second yellow — a late foul on Pau Cubarsí that sent the defender flying. FIFA has since confirmed it opened an investigation into the post-match trouble, according to the BBC.

Argentina’s players did not retreat quietly. Fernandez, the Chelsea midfielder, defended the team’s conduct afterward. “For years, this group has represented our country in the best possible way,” he said. “It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up.” He thanked Argentine fans and called wearing the national shirt “the greatest honour of my career.”

BBC pundits were unmoved. Micah Richards called Argentina’s behavior “embarrassing.” Joe Hart said there was “one man on that pitch with class and that was Lionel Messi” — though even Messi drew criticism for appearing to try to get Marc Cucurella sent off during the late stages by waving over the referee after Cucurella put his fingers over his mouth while speaking. Wayne Rooney called it “desperation” and said Argentina’s reaction was “sad to see.” Alan Shearer summed it up: “There’s a way to lose. Too many times we’ve seen that reaction from them.”