Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes is weighing up his international future after being involved in a post-match brawl following the World Cup final defeat to Spain. The 32-year-old escaped a red card for his role in the incident but may never play for his country again.
Post-match controversy
Paredes clashed with Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi after the final whistle in New Jersey. ITV pundit Gary Neville said: "They're very competitive and I love that element of them, but [Paredes] has just been a disgrace for the last couple of games, and why the referees have allowed him to continue doing what he is doing..."
FIFA's disciplinary committee has appointed a prosecutor to investigate events after the match. Paredes received no immediate punishment and has already returned to club action.
International future in doubt
Paredes, who came off the bench in both the 2022 final win over France and the 2026 final loss, hinted at retirement. "For many, it will be a decision whether to continue or not," he told ESPN. "It was a spectacular process. It will be very difficult to maintain this level and keep the group functioning in this way. You have to think, take stock, and talk to the coach. Decisions must be made calmly. I don't know if I'm going to go on."
The World Cup final was his 84th international cap, nearly a decade after his debut. He added: "Although we achieved a lot, the pain of losing the final is going to hurt for a long time, because we were very close again. But we have to enjoy it because it's not easy to maintain the level we had for so long to achieve what we did."
Less than a week after the final, Paredes captained Boca Juniors in a Copa Sudamericana win over O'Higgins, having reportedly made a personal request to be involved.
