‘I’d hit his head!’: Zlatan Ibrahimovic lashes out at Leandro Paredes, questions why Spain players just stood and watched

Spain’s Gavi, left, falls as he tackles Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada. (AP photo) Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes over the ugly scenes after the World Cup final, saying he would have “headbutted” the midfielder if he was on the pitch and accusing Spain players of failing to stand up for their team-mates.A dramatic showdown in New Jersey ended with Spain lifting the World Cup trophy thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner in the 106th minute. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by chaotic post-match confrontations between several Argentine players and members of the coaching staff. During his prison role on Fox Sports, Ibrahimovic did not hold back in his assessment of Paredes’ actions, calling the midfielder’s behavior “unprofessional” and expressing disbelief at Spain’s passive response.

‘I would punch him in the head’

Tempers flared after the final whistle as emotions boiled over after Argentina’s defeat. The heated exchanges came after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time, with frustration spilling over into the post-match melee.Broadcast footage showed Nahuel Molina punching Rodri while Paredes appeared to kick Eric Garcia before grabbing Gavi by the neck and pulling the Barcelona midfielder to the ground. Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, also apparently joined the confrontation as players and officials from both teams rushed to separate those involved.In response to the scenes, Ibrahimovic singled out Paredes for criticism.“Paredes can be happy that there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It’s unprofessional behavior from him,” he said.The former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United striker has built a reputation for outspoken views throughout his career and his comments after the World Cup final were among his strongest during the tournament.

Zlatan questions Spain’s lack of response

While Paredes was the main target of Ibrahimovic’s criticism, the Swedish icon was equally surprised by the reaction of the Spanish players, who believed they should have done more to defend their teammates during the confrontation.“I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing? They’re just watching another player hit their team-mate,” Ibrahimovic said.Chaotic scenes capped an emotionally charged contest in which Spain largely controlled proceedings before Ferran Torres settled the final in extra time. Argentina struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match and saw their frustration boil over as the final whistle approached.READ ALSO: No excuses: Argentina’s Leandro Paredes breaks silence after World Cup final chaos against Spain

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AP Photo)

FIFA is investigating Paredes’ conduct

Although many expected Paredes to receive a red card for his role in the post-match confrontation, reports later indicated that no official dismissal had been issued during the incident.However, the midfielder could still face retroactive disciplinary action, with FIFA launching an investigation into the events that took place after the final whistle.Paredes has since broken his silence on social media, but stopped short of addressing the altercation. Instead, he thanked Argentina’s supporters and expressed his pride in representing his country despite the heartbreaking defeat.“I write today with a heavy heart that I have not been able to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves — but with a chest full of pride for giving everything we had and for once again flying our flag at its highest,” he wrote.