New footage shows Molina threw first punch in World Cup final brawl

Fresh video footage from the World Cup final appears to show Argentina defender Nahuel Molina throwing a punch at Spain midfielder Rodri, sparking the ugly brawl that followed Spain's 3-2 extra-time victory at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

Spain sealed their World Cup crown when Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, but the final whistle was marred by chaos as Argentina players lost their composure. The footage, released by a fan account, shows Rodri running onto the pitch to celebrate when Molina strikes him in the stomach. Rodri then confronts Molina, and teammates quickly join the altercation.

What happened at full-time

The confrontation escalated when Leandro Paredes shoved Eric Garcia to the ground, grabbed him by the throat, and repeatedly pushed Gavi, leading to a mass brawl. Referee Slavko Vincic issued Paredes a red card after the final whistle. Argentina were already down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time.

• Nahuel Molina punched Rodri in the stomach seconds after full-time, per new footage
• Leandro Paredes was shown a red card for his role in the brawl
• Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute
• Enzo Fernandez was sent off earlier in the game
• FIFA is expected to investigate Argentina's conduct

What's next

FIFA is set to investigate the post-match incidents, with Molina and Paredes potentially facing retrospective bans. Argentina could also be sanctioned for failing to control their players. The ugly scenes overshadowed Spain's triumph, which was their first World Cup title since 2010.