Argentina star behind Spain defender’s embarrassing throat grab announces international retirement after World Cup final | Football News
Leandro Paredes has admitted he is unsure about his international future after Argentina’s agony in the FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain, with the midfielder reflecting on a tournament-ending defeat overshadowed by his involvement in a messy 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 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 Argentina’s delegation following the final.Now, after the loss to Argentina, the 32-year-old revealed that he is considering whether his international career is over.
Paredes is unsure about Argentina’s future
Reflecting on the defeat, Paredes admitted that many experienced members of the squad are now faced with important decisions after one World Cup cycle.“For many, this is the time to decide whether to continue,” said Paredes, as reported by Daily Mail.“It’s been a great journey. To continue at that level – to make the team continue to perform as it has – will be very difficult, and there are many factors to consider.“Decisions have to be made calmly. I don’t know if I’m ready to move on yet. It’s a process that takes time to assimilate and mature.”He added that the disappointment of failing to make another World Cup final will stay with the squad for a long time.“It takes 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’re getting close again.”Despite the sadness, 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 was very rewarding. In that sense, I’m happy.”
Emotional message but no apologies
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 now and always,” he wrote.“Today I am writing with a lot of pain in my heart because we cannot give our country the happiness it deserves, but in my chest is filled with pride to give everything we have and put our flag high again.“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this national team, this group of players who have given everything to represent this shirt until the last second of every match. It is an honor to be part of the best Argentine team in history.”However, notably, the midfielder did not apologize or express regret for his role in the confrontation that erupted after the final whistle.
The end fell into chaos
Argentina’s title defense ended in disappointment 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 reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in stoppage time in normal time for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.Moments after the final whistle, the celebrations quickly collapsed as Spain’s substitutes and staff ran onto the pitch to celebrate their victory.As Spain’s players ran towards Argentina’s half, tensions quickly flared as Argentina’s players reacted with celebrations. The footage shows Nahuel Molina confronting Spain captain Rodri and swinging his arm towards him as he runs away.Eric García then entered, sparking a wider confrontation between players from both sides. Paredes fought back, grabbing García by the throat before turning his attention to Gavi, whom he slammed to the ground as several Spain players rushed to separate those involved.
Spain’s Gavi, left, falls while battling with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada. (AP Photo)
The clash quickly escalated 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 initial reports suggested that Paredes was sent off after full-time, FIFA later clarified that he did not receive a red card. However, football’s governing body subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings to examine his behavior alongside other members of the Argentine delegation using the referee’s report and video evidence.
Referee Slavko Vincic, left, moves 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, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
If violations of the FIFA Disciplinary Code are established, additional game penalties may follow.
Experts have condemned the post-match conduct
The scenes drew widespread criticism from former players and television pundits.BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards described the incident as “disgraceful”, saying: “Paredes was better than that. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this wasn’t good enough.”Joe Hart added: “Disgusting behaviour. There is one person on that pitch who has class and that is 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 smart. It’s a reaction to them being outplayed.”Despite the controversy, Spain midfielder Gavi later indicated that he did not want Paredes to receive a lengthy suspension.
Argentina is facing major transitions
Paredes’ comments come as Argentina prepares for what could be a significant rebuild.Head coach Lionel Scaloni announced his own future after the defeat, while veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi has 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 also announced 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 and has yet to confirm whether the World Cup final marks the last international appearance of his remarkable career.
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