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Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has finally broken his silence following his team’s World Cup final loss, though he avoided commenting on his involvement in the chaotic confrontation that erupted after the final whistle. Despite his red card later being rescinded, uncertainty remains as FIFA prepares to review the unsavoury post-match scenes.

Paredes speaks out

This marks the first time Paredes has spoken publicly since Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, which ended in turmoil after Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal clinched victory for the Spaniards. The match concluded with a mass scuffle involving several players from both sides.

Paredes appeared to be at the centre of the melee, with footage showing him punching and shoving an opponent. He was also seen grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat before engaging in a tussle with Gavi, throwing the young Barcelona midfielder to the ground.

Emotional message, but no apology

Although his actions have generated widespread criticism, Paredes chose not to comment on the brawl in his initial public statement. Instead, he posted an emotional message on Instagram, writing: “THANK YOU, ARGENTINA!!! I LOVE YOU, TODAY AND ALWAYS. Today, I write with a heavy heart, for we couldn’t bring our country the joy it truly deserves – but with immense pride for giving our all and raising our flag high once again!”

He continued: “Thank you to everyone who was part of this team, to my teammates who gave everything to honour this jersey, right until the final seconds of every match! It was an honour to be part of the greatest Argentine national team in history!”

Criticism continues to mount

The confrontation reportedly began when Argentina’s Nahuel Molina threw a punch at Spain captain Rodri, triggering a series of clashes involving players from both teams. Although BBC Sport reported that Paredes’ red card was later removed from the official record and FIFA did not take immediate disciplinary action, the criticism directed at him has not subsided.

Among those condemning his behaviour was former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who told talkSPORT Breakfast: “You want to feel safe on the pitch, and the punishment has to be strong enough so that nobody ever repeats such actions.

“No matter what happens in football, you can be upset about losing, but you must show class in defeat. If Paredes wanted to fight, there are places for that – not on the pitch, not against Garcia. And the way he manhandled Gavi, just a 21-year-old kid, throwing him around – that’s someone’s son, someone’s brother. Disgraceful. If it were up to me, I’d ban him from the entire next tournament. Cowardly behaviour.”

FIFA decision pending

Despite his initial reprieve, Paredes may still face sanctions as FIFA investigates the events that followed Spain’s World Cup triumph. The outcome of this inquiry will determine whether additional disciplinary measures will be imposed in one of the tournament’s most talked-about incidents.