Leandro Paredes has admitted he is uncertain about his international future after Argentina’s painful FIFA World Cup final defeat in Spain, with the midfielder reflecting on a tournament 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 New York’s New Jersey Stadium after he was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric GarcÃa by the throat, wrestling Gavi to the ground and appearing to throw punches during a mass clash between players from the two 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 Argentine delegation following the final.Now, following Argentina’s defeat, the 32-year-old has revealed that he is considering whether his international career has come to an end.
Paredes uncertain about the future of Argentina
Reflecting on the defeat, Paredes admitted that many experienced members of the team are now making important decisions after the end of another World Cup cycle.“For many, it will be time to decide to continue,” Paredes said, as reported by the Daily Mail.“It has been 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 stay with the team for a long time.“It will take time to digest what we went through. The pain of losing the World Cup final will stay with us for a long time, because we came so close again.”Despite the heartbreak, Paredes also expressed pride in what the team accomplished throughout the tournament.“I think we have played in a World Cup where people see themselves in us, and this is very gratifying. In this sense, I am happy.”
Emotional but unapologetic message
Two days after the final, Paredes also addressed supporters in a message posted on social media, thanking Argentina’s fans as he reflected on the disappointment of missing out on the 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 could not give our country the joy it deserved, but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and put our flag on 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 last second of every match. It was an honor to be part of the best Argentine team in history.”Notably, however, the midfielder did not apologize or express regret for his role in the confrontation that erupted after the final whistle.
Finale fell into chaos
Argentina’s title defense 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 were already reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time for a reckless challenge on Pau CubarsÃ.Moments after the final whistle, the celebrations quickly descended into disorder as the Spanish substitutes and staff sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate their victory.As the Spanish players raced towards Argentina’s half, tensions quickly flared as the Argentine players reacted to the celebrations. The footage appeared to show Nahuel Molina tackling Spain captain Rodri and swinging his arm at him as he passed.Eric GarcÃa then intervened, which triggered a wider confrontation between players from both sides. Paredes charged into the melee, grabbing GarcÃa by the throat before turning his attention to Gavi, who struggled to the ground as several Spain players rushed to separate those involved.
Spain’s Gavi, left, falls while scuffling with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada. (AP Photo)
The clash quickly turned into a mass brawl, with players pushing, shoving and exchanging blows before the coaching staff, including Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, ran onto the pitch in an attempt to restore order.Although early reports suggested that Paredes had been sent off after full time, FIFA later clarified that he did not receive a red card. However, football’s governing body later opened disciplinary proceedings to examine his conduct alongside those of other members of the Argentine 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)
If violations of the FIFA Disciplinary Code are established, other sporting sanctions may follow.
Pundits condemned the post-match conduct
The scenes drew widespread criticism from former actors and television pundits.BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards described the incident as “embarrassing”, saying: “Paredes is better than this. We all know what it is to lose a game, but this is not good enough.”Joe Hart added: “Disgusting behaviour. There was a man on that pitch with class and that was Lionel Messi.”Wayne Rooney also criticized Argentina’s reaction, saying: “It doesn’t surprise me. We have seen this from Argentina before. If you lose a football game, be gracious. It’s a reaction to being overcome.”Despite the controversy, Spanish midfielder Gavi later indicated that he did not want Paredes to receive a lengthy suspension.
Argentina is making a big transition
Paredes’ comments come as Argentina prepares for what could become a significant rebuild.Head coach Lionel Scaloni hinted at his own future after 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 MartÃnez also hinted at a possible decision on his international future after the final, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s next cycle.Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds captain Lionel Messi, who is now 39 years old and has yet to confirm whether the World Cup final marked the final international appearance of his extraordinary career.