East Rutherford: Spain's historic FIFA World Cup triumph was overshadowed by chaotic post-match scenes as players from both teams became involved in heated confrontations, marring what should have been a celebration of football's biggest occasion.

Emotions boiled over immediately after the final whistle following Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, with several players pushing, shoving and confronting one another on the pitch.

One of the most dramatic incidents involved Argentina defender Nahuel Molina and Spain captain Rodri. As Spanish players rushed onto the field to celebrate their country's first World Cup title since 2010, Molina appeared to swing a punch toward Rodri's stomach while running past him.

Rodri immediately stopped and confronted the Argentina defender, shouting at him before Molina squared up to the Spain captain and bumped him in the chest. The confrontation quickly escalated, prompting Spain defender Eric García to intervene as players from both sides gathered around.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was again at the centre of the controversy. Television images showed Paredes shoving Eric García by the throat during one confrontation before becoming involved in another altercation with Gavi.

Paredes wrestled the Spanish midfielder to the ground and appeared to push into his face while gripping him by his substitute's bib as teammates and officials attempted to separate the players.

The ugly scenes followed a tense and physical final in which Argentina's frustrations had already boiled over during the match.

Paredes had been fortunate to avoid stronger punishment after an incident with Rodri in the 52nd minute before receiving a yellow card for pushing Dani Olmo during the ensuing confrontation.

Argentina's discipline completely unravelled late in the game when Enzo Fernández was booked for dissent in the 82nd minute before being sent off 11 minutes later after a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, leaving the defending champions to play extra time with 10 men.

Despite goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez producing a World Cup final-record 11 saves, Spain finally broke through in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match to seal the title.

The final whistle should have marked the beginning of Spain's celebrations after ending a 16-year wait for another World Cup crown. Instead, the joyous occasion was briefly overshadowed by scenes of confrontation that damaged the spectacle of football's biggest night.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also had to be restrained while appearing to exchange angry words during the melee, while veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi was seen arguing with several Spanish players, including Rodri.