Leandro Paredes has admitted he is uncertain about his international future following Argentina’s painful FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain, with the midfielder reflecting on a tournament-ending loss overshadowed by his involvement in the chaotic post-match altercation.Paredes became one of the central figures in the ugly scenes that followed Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium after he was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric García by the throat, wrestling Gavi to the ground and appearing to throw punches during a mass confrontation between players from both teams.The Boca Juniors midfielder has since come under heavy scrutiny, with FIFA opening a disciplinary investigation into the conduct of several members of the Argentina delegation following the final.Now, after Argentina’s defeat, the 32-year-old has revealed he is considering whether his international career has come to an end.
Paredes unsure over Argentina future
Reflecting on the defeat, Paredes admitted several experienced members of the squad now face important decisions following the end of another World Cup cycle.“For many, it will be the time to decide if to continue,” Paredes said, as reported by the Daily Mail.“It was a great journey. Maintaining that level – getting the group to continue to function as it has – will be very difficult, and there are many factors to consider.“Decisions must be taken calmly. I don’t know yet if I’m ready to continue. It’s a process that takes time to assimilate and mature.”He added that the disappointment of falling short in another World Cup final will remain with the squad for a long time.“It will take time to digest what we’ve been through. The pain of losing the World Cup final will stay with us for a long time, because we came so close once again.”Despite the heartbreak, Paredes also expressed pride in what the team achieved throughout the tournament.“I think we played in a World Cup where people saw themselves in us, and that’s very rewarding. In that sense, I’m happy.”
Emotional message but no apology
Two days after the final, Paredes also addressed supporters in a message posted on social media, thanking Argentina’s fans while reflecting on the disappointment of missing out on back-to-back World Cup titles.“Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always,” he wrote.“Today I write with a lot of pain in my heart because we couldn’t give our country the joy it deserved, but with my chest filled with pride for giving everything we had and putting our flag at the top once again.“Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team, to this group of players who gave everything to represent this shirt until the final second of every match. It was an honor to be part of the best Argentina team in history.”Notably, however, the midfielder did not apologise or express regret for his role in the confrontation that erupted after the final whistle.
Final descended into chaos
Argentina’s title defence ended in frustration after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to secure Spain’s second World Cup title.The defending champions had already been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.Moments after the final whistle, celebrations quickly descended into disorder as Spain’s substitutes and staff sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate their victory.As Spanish players ran toward the Argentina half, tensions immediately flared when Argentine players reacted to the celebrations. Footage appeared to show Nahuel Molina confronting Spain captain Rodri and swinging his arm toward him as he ran past.Eric García then stepped in, which triggered a wider confrontation between players from both sides. Paredes charged into the melee, grabbing García by the throat before turning his attention to Gavi, whom he wrestled to the ground while several Spain players rushed in to separate those involved.
Spain’s Gavi, left, falls as he scuffles with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada. (AP Photo)
The clash quickly grew into a mass brawl, with players pushing, shoving and exchanging blows before coaching staff, including Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, ran onto the pitch in an attempt to restore order.Although early reports suggested Paredes had been sent off after full-time, FIFA later clarified that he did not receive a red card. Nevertheless, football’s governing body subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings to examine his conduct alongside that of other members of the Argentina delegation using the referee’s report and video evidence.
Referee Slavko Vincic, left, gestures as Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) reacts and Spain’s Pedro Porro (12) lies on the ground during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Should breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code be established, further sporting sanctions could follow.
Pundits condemn post-match conduct
The scenes attracted widespread criticism from former players and television pundits.BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards described the incident as “embarrassing”, saying: “Paredes is better than that. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this is not good enough.”Joe Hart added: “Disgusting behaviour. There was one man on that pitch with class and that was Lionel Messi.”Wayne Rooney also criticised Argentina’s reaction, saying: “It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this from Argentina before. If you lose a game of football, be graceful. It’s a reaction to them being outplayed.”Despite the controversy, Spain midfielder Gavi later indicated he did not want Paredes to receive a lengthy suspension.
Argentina facing major transition
Paredes’ comments come as Argentina prepare for what could become a significant rebuild.Head coach Lionel Scaloni has hinted at his own future following the defeat, while veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi has already confirmed his retirement from international football after earning 139 caps, winning the 2022 World Cup and lifting two Copa América titles.Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has also hinted at a possible decision over his international future following the final, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the squad’s next cycle.Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds captain Lionel Messi, who is now 39 and has yet to confirm whether the World Cup final marked the final international appearance of his extraordinary career.
