Zlatan Critiques Spain's Failure To Defend Teammates After Post-Final Brawl

Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović took aim at Leandro Paredes and Spain's players following the tempestuous end to the World Cup final in New Jersey. The 44-year-old pundit condemned the Argentina midfielder's fiery antics during a post-match brawl while questioning Spain's lack of response to the provocation.

Spain secured the World Cup trophy via a 106th-minute extra-time goal from Ferran Torres, having dominated the match without allowing Argentina a single shot on target in normal time. The South Americans' frustration boiled over with a late red card for Enzo Fernández before normal time expired, while Paredes escaped an expulsion despite a second-half booking.

A post-match melee erupted as Nahuel Molina struck Rodri, before Paredes kicked Eric Garcia and dragged Gavi to the ground, while coach Roberto Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo.

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Ibrahimović hit out at the post-match chaos during his punditry stint on Fox Sports. Slamming Paredes' conduct while questioning the perceived passive response of the Spanish players, the former AC Milan striker declared: "Paredes can be happy there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It is unprofessional behavior from him."

He added: "I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing? They are just watching another player hit their teammate."

Beyond his frank analysis of the scuffle in New Jersey, Ibrahimović surprised viewers by announcing his retirement from punditry duties. Following his headline role in the Fox Sports studio throughout the tournament alongside fellow pundits Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas, the former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain frontman stated: "I have talked a