Leandro Paredes admits he feels uncertain about his international future after Argentina’s painful defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, with the midfielder reflecting on a late-game defeat that left him overshadowed by a chaotic post-match row.Paredes was one of the central figures in the ugly scenes following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win at New York’s New Jersey Stadium, where he was seen grabbing Spanish defender Eric Garcia by the throat, throwing Garvey to the ground and appearing to throw a punch during a massive confrontation between players from both teams.The Boca Juniors midfielder has since come under intense scrutiny, with FIFA launching a disciplinary investigation into the conduct of several members of the Argentine delegation following the final.Now, following Argentina’s defeat, the 32-year-old has revealed he is considering whether his international career is over.
Paredes unsure about Argentina’s future
Looking back on the defeat, Paredes acknowledged that several experienced players in the squad now face important decisions after another World Cup cycle.“For many, now is the time to decide whether to continue,” Paredes reportedly said. Daily Mail.“It’s been a great journey. Maintaining this level – for the team to continue operating as before – is going to be very difficult and there are a lot of factors to consider.“The decision has to be made calmly. I don’t know yet if I’m ready to continue. It’s a process that takes time to absorb and mature.”He added that the disappointment of losing in the World Cup final will haunt the team for a long time.“It takes time to digest what we’ve been through. The pain of losing a World Cup final will be with us for a long time because we were so close again.”Despite the heartbreak, Paredes also expressed pride in what his team accomplished throughout the tournament.“I think we went to the World Cup and people saw themselves in us, which was very valuable. In that sense, I’m happy.”
Emotional message but no apology
Paredes also posted a message on social media two days after the final, addressing the fans and thanking the Argentinian fans while reflecting on the disappointment of losing two consecutive World Cup titles.“Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always,” he wrote.“Today, my heart is filled with pain that we were unable to bring the joy that our country deserves, but my chest is filled with pride that I gave everything we had and once again put our flag at the top.“Thank you to everyone in this national team and to this group of players who give everything to represent this jersey until the last second of every game. It is an honor to be part of the best Argentina team in history.”Remarkably, however, the midfielder did not apologize or express regret for his role in the clash that erupted after the final whistle.
Finals descend into chaos
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of overtime, helping Spain win the World Cup for the second time. Argentina’s defense of the title ended in failure.The defending champions were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Paulo Cubasi in stoppage time of normal time.The celebrations quickly descended into chaos shortly after the final whistle, with Spain’s substitutes and staff rushing onto the pitch to celebrate the win.Tensions immediately rose as the Argentinian players reacted to the celebrations as the Spanish players ran towards the Argentinian half. Footage shows Nahuel Molina confronting Spain captain Rodri and waving his arms at him as he ran past.Eric Garcia then intervened, sparking a wider confrontation between players from both sides. Paredes rushed into the melee and grabbed Garcia by the throat before turning his attention to Garvey, whom he threw to the ground while several Spanish players rushed to separate those involved.
Spain’s Garvey (left) falls during a scuffle with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada. (AP Photo)
The conflict quickly turned into a massive brawl, with players pushing and punching each other before the coaching staff, including Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, ran onto the pitch in an attempt to restore order.Although early reports suggested that Paredes was sent off at full-time, FIFA later clarified that he did not receive a red card. Despite this, football’s governing body subsequently launched disciplinary proceedings, using the referee’s report and video evidence, to review his actions alongside other members of the Argentine delegation.
Referee Slavko Vincic (left) gestures as Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) reacts and Spain’s Pedro Polo (12) lies on the ground during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Breach of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code may result in further sporting sanctions.
Experts condemn post-match behavior
The scenes drew widespread criticism from former players and television pundits.BBC Sports commentator Micah Richards described the incident as “embarrassing”, saying: “Paredes was better than this. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but it wasn’t good enough.”Joe Hart added: “This behavior is disgusting. There is one man on the pitch who is outstanding and that is Lionel Messi.”Wayne Rooney also criticized Argentina’s reaction, saying: “It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this before in Argentina. If you lose a football game, stay graceful. This was a reaction to their defeat. “Despite the controversy, Spain midfielder Garvey later said he did not want Paredes to receive a long-term ban.
Argentina faces major transformation
Paredes’ comments come as Argentina prepares for a possible major rebuild.Head coach Lionel Scaloni hinted at his future after the defeat, while veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi has confirmed his retirement from the national team after 139 caps, a World Cup win in 2022 and two Copa America titles.Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also hinted that a decision on his national team future may be made after the final, adding to the uncertainty about the team’s next cycle.Meanwhile, captain Messi faces uncertainty as the 39-year-old has yet to confirm whether the World Cup final will mark the final international appearance of his extraordinary career.
