Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes hit the headlines for the wrong reasons after Lionel Scaloni’s side lost to Spain in the World Cup final. The 32-year-old avoided a red card for the post-match brawl that resulted in an extra-time loss, but that may not matter given Paredes’ international future is in doubt. He came off the bench in the 2022 finals, scoring in the penalty shootout win over France, and also came off the bench against Spain in New Jersey. However, the same may not happen in 2030 as the Boca Juniors star considers his options.
“For a lot of people, it’s going to be a decision whether or not to continue,” Paredes told ESPN. “It’s been a great process. It’s going to be very difficult to maintain this level and keep the group functioning like this. We have to think, evaluate and discuss with the coach. We have to take the decision calmly. We don’t know if we will continue or not. I think it will be a long process to overcome what we went through.”
It has been almost 10 years since the Buenos Aires-born star made his first appearance in the World Cup final, wearing the number 84. However, after the final whistle, he clashed with opponents including Eric Garcia and Gabi, resulting in a painful result.
Paredes’ colleague Enzo Fernandes had earlier been sent off for a second offense. As a result, Albiceleste were forced into extra time with a one-goal deficit, and lost 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres.
“They’re very competitive and I love that element of them, but[Paredes]has just had a disgraceful performance in the last few games. Why have the referees allowed him to continue to act like he is…” said ITV pundit Gary Neville. There was also criticism during the BBC coverage, which featured Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney as pundits.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate what happened after the final whistle. However, Paredes was not immediately punished and even returned to club activities beforehand.
Reflecting further on the team’s defeat, the midfielder hinted that there will be a period of reflection. “We achieved a lot, but the pain of losing in the final will last for a long time, because we were also very close,” Paredes added.
“But we have to enjoy it, because it’s not easy to maintain the level we’ve maintained for so long to achieve what we’ve achieved so far. Even though we lost in the final, I think it was a World Cup where we saw people reflect themselves. That’s very satisfying for us.”
