Following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, midfielder Leandro Paredes has indicated uncertainty regarding his international future. The match, which saw Spain secure a 1-0 extra-time victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium, was followed by a chaotic post-match altercation involving Paredes and other players.
Paredes, a midfielder for Boca Juniors, was observed grabbing Spain defender Eric García by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground during the confrontation. This incident led to FIFA initiating a disciplinary investigation into the conduct of several members of the Argentina delegation.
Reflecting on the final, Paredes acknowledged that several experienced members of the squad face significant decisions about their international careers. He stated that maintaining the team’s current level and group cohesion would be challenging, with many factors to consider. Paredes also mentioned that decisions need to be made calmly, and he is unsure if he is ready to continue.
Post-Match Incidents and Reactions
The World Cup final concluded with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time, securing Spain’s second World Cup title. Argentina had been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in stoppage time for a challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
Immediately after the final whistle, celebrations escalated into disorder. As Spanish players approached the Argentina half, tensions rose, with footage reportedly showing Nahuel Molina confronting Spain captain Rodri. Eric García’s intervention further ignited a wider confrontation, into which Paredes charged. He was seen grabbing García by the throat before engaging with Gavi. Coaching staff, including Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, intervened to restore order.
Despite initial reports suggesting Paredes had been sent off, FIFA later clarified that he did not receive a red card. However, disciplinary proceedings were opened to review his conduct and that of other Argentina delegation members. Pundits, including Micah Richards, Joe Hart, and Wayne Rooney, criticised the post-match behaviour, with Richards calling it “embarrassing.” Spain midfielder Gavi later indicated he did not want Paredes to receive a lengthy suspension.
Future of Argentina Squad
Paredes’ comments come amidst a period of potential transition for the Argentina national team. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has also hinted at uncertainty regarding his own future following the defeat. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi has confirmed his retirement from international football, having earned 139 caps and won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has also suggested a possible decision about his international future, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the squad. Furthermore, the future of captain Lionel Messi, who is 39 years old, remains unconfirmed regarding whether the World Cup final marked his last international appearance. Paredes, speaking after a match for his club Boca Juniors, expressed the pain of the final loss and the team’s reluctance for the tournament to end.
Paredes acknowledged that Spain were the better team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and deserved to win. He dismissed online speculation and conspiracy theories regarding Argentina’s defeat, stating that such claims do not warrant attention. He also expressed pride in the team’s achievements throughout the tournament, noting that people saw themselves reflected in the team’s performance, which he found rewarding.
He added that the disappointment of falling short in another World Cup final would remain with the squad for a long time, as they came very close to victory once again. Paredes also addressed supporters on social media, thanking them and expressing pride in the team’s efforts to represent Argentina.
The midfielder described Argentina’s recent success, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and two Copa América triumphs, as an exceptional journey. He believes that the greatness of their accomplishments will be fully realised with time. Paredes reiterated that decisions about continuing with the national team must be made calmly, and he is still evaluating his own future.
Messi’s teammate also commented on the star’s future, with reports indicating that Messi may have made a decision regarding his international career. Paredes expressed a desire for Messi to continue playing but acknowledged that the final decision rests with him. The pain of losing the World Cup final, he noted, will last for a long time.
Paredes stated that the process of assimilating and maturing after the defeat would take time. He conveyed that the pain of losing the World Cup final would stay with the squad for a long time because they were once again very close to winning.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
