Barbara Parades, the sister of Argentina midfielder Leandro Parades, has reignited the Falklands controversy by declaring the islands belong to Argentina following her brother's team victory over England in the World Cup semi-final. After the match, a banner reading 'Las Malvinas Son Argentinas' (The Falklands belong to Argentina) was displayed on the pitch. Argentina ultimately lost the final to Spain in a match marred by post-match brawls, but Barbara expressed pride in the campaign.
Speaking to reporters, she said: 'Getting this far and beating England along the way meant everything to us. We might not have the fourth star, but we have the Falklands for ourselves.' The Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Spanish, have been a source of tension between the UK and Argentina since the 1982 war.
Post-match brawl and FIFA investigation
Leandro Parades was at the centre of controversy in the final, getting into a post-match brawl with Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi, appearing to throw punches. He was not shown a red card after full-time, but FIFA has opened an investigation into the post-match behaviour of both teams. Parades later issued a statement on Sunday, saying: 'Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves. But with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again!'
His mother, Myriam Benitez, also defended him at Ezeiza airport in Buenos Aires, stating: 'We never disrespect anyone. Respect always, I think that's everything that motivates us and gets us to where we really want to go. I know what the Argentine National Team means to my son.'
Club and national team context
Leandro Parades, 32, currently plays for Boca Juniors in his home country after spells in France and Italy. Several Argentina squad members play club football in Spain, including Nahuel Molina, who was also involved in a scuffle, confronting Spain midfielder Rodri and appearing to punch him. Dani Olmo was reportedly punched by Argentina coach Roberto Ayala. The controversies have overshadowed Argentina's World Cup run, which ended with a loss to Spain in the final.
