Leandro Paredes has caused more controversy after playing for Boca Juniors just four days since his World Cup final antics. The Argentina international received backlash for his behaviour following his side's 1-0 defeat to Spain on Sunday. He was shown a red card after the full-time whistle for placing his hand around Eric Garcia's throat before kicking him to the floor. Paredes then got into a heated confrontation with Gavi, appearing to have a swipe at his head before pushing him to the ground.
Return to club football
While Paredes is now expected to serve a three-game international suspension from football, there have been calls for him to serve an even longer suspension due to his conduct at the World Cup final. But the 32-year-old has appeared to continue as normal since and even returned to club football on Thursday as he started for Boca Juniors during their CONMEBOL Sudamericana knockout round play-off first leg against O'Higgins. Paredes played the full 90 minutes as his side ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Miguel Merentiel's first-half strike.
Injury concerns
Paredes' inclusion, however, caused a stir in his homeland as he played in the World Cup final just four days prior and has been suffering with a painful rib injury. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain man, who came on as a half-time substitute against Spain, sustained a rib fracture which would normally require complete rest. But the player was insistent that he wanted to be involved for Boca Juniors against O'Higgins and requested that manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena included him in the starting line-up, according to The Clinic. Paredes' decision has split opinion among the medical staff and Boca Juniors fans. While some rate the player's commitment, others fear that the demands of continental competition will aggravate his physical condition.
Reaction to World Cup final
Argentina's performance in the World Cup final caused some criticism online. Indeed, Lionel Scaloni's side were outclassed and outplayed by Spain at the MetLife Stadium, after having just three shots across 120 minutes of football. But Paredes, speaking after his return to action for Boca Juniors, decided to praise Spain instead. He told ESPN: "Spain were better than us in the final, and they deserve to win the World Cup." Reflecting on the tournament, he said: "We put on a wonderful tournament. All that remains for us is to enjoy what we have achieved over the past eight years, for it has been an exceptional journey. Perhaps we will realise the greatness of what we have accomplished as time passes, because it is something unbelievable."
