Argentina star hints he will step down after World Cup final after Spain defender’s throat-grabbing incident

Leandro Paredes hints at Argentina retirement after World Cup final controversy as midfielder considers future after painful defeat / Image: Instagram Leandro Paredes has admitted he is unsure about his international future after Argentina’s painful World Cup final defeat to Spain, with the midfielder reflecting on a late-tournament loss overshadowed by his involvement in a messy post-match row.Paredes became one of the central figures in the ugly scenes that followed Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win at New York’s New Jersey Stadium after he was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck, knocking Gavi to the ground and appearing to throw punches during a mass confrontation between players from both teams.The Boca Juniors midfielder has since come under intense scrutiny, with FIFA launching a disciplinary investigation into the conduct of several members of Argentina’s delegation following the final.Now, following Argentina’s defeat, the 32-year-old has revealed he is considering whether his international career is over.

Paredes is unsure about Argentina’s future

With the defeat in mind, Paredes admitted that several experienced members of the squad now face important decisions after the conclusion of the next World Cup cycle.“For many, it will be a time to decide whether to continue,” Paredes said, as reported Daily Mail.“It’s been a great journey. To maintain this level – to ensure that the group continues to function as it has – will be very difficult and there are many factors to consider.“The decision needs to be taken calmly. I don’t know yet if I’m ready to continue. It’s a process that needs time to assimilate and mature.”He added that the disappointment of failing to make another World Cup final will stay with the team for a long time.“It’s going to take some time to digest what we’ve been through. The pain of losing the World Cup final will be with us for a long time because we came so close again.”Despite the heartbreak, Paredes also expressed pride in what the team accomplished during the tournament.“I think we played in the World Cup where people saw themselves in us and that’s very rewarding. I’m happy in that sense.”

An emotional message, but no apology

Two days after the final, Paredes also addressed his supporters in a message posted on social media, thanking Argentina’s fans while reflecting on the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup titles.“Thank you Argentino! I love you today and always,” he wrote.“Today I write with much pain in my heart because we could not give our country the joy it deserved, but with my chest full of pride to have given everything we had and put our flag high again.“Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team, this group of players who gave everything to represent this shirt until the last second of every match. It was an honor to be part of the best Argentine team in history.”However, the midfielder did not apologize or express regret for his role in the confrontation that broke out after the final whistle.ID@undefined Subtitle not available.

The final descended into chaos

Argentina’s title defense ended in frustration after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to secure Spain’s second World Cup title.The defending champions were already reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.Moments after the final whistle, the celebrations quickly descended into disarray as Spain’s substitutes and staff sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate the victory.As the Spanish players ran towards Argentina’s half, tensions flared immediately as Argentina’s players responded with celebrations. The footage appeared to show Nahuel Molina facing Spain captain Rodri and waving his hand towards him as he ran past.Eric García then came on, triggering a wider confrontation between players on both sides. Paredes charged into the melee, grabbing Garcia by the neck and turning his attention to Gavi, who he tackled to the ground as several Spain players rushed to separate those involved.

Spain’s Gavi, left, falls as he tackles Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada. (AP photo)

The clash quickly escalated into a mass brawl, with players pushing, shoving and exchanging blows before the coaching staff, including Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, ran onto the pitch in an attempt to restore order.Although initial reports suggested that Paredes was sent off after the full-time match ended, FIFA later clarified that he had not received a red card. However, football’s governing body subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings to examine his conduct, along with that of other members of the Argentine delegation, using the referee’s report and video footage.

Referee Slavko Vincic, left, gestures as Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) reacts and Spain’s Pedro Porro (12) lies on the ground during the World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

If a violation of the FIFA Disciplinary Code is found, further sporting sanctions could follow.

Scientists condemn post-match behavior

These scenes attracted widespread criticism from former players and television pundits.BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards described the incident as “embarrassing” and said: “Paredes is better than this. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this is not enough.”Joe Hart added: “Disgusting behaviour. There was one man on the pitch with class and that was Lionel Messi.”Wayne Rooney also criticized Argentina’s reaction, saying: “It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen it from Argentina before. If you lose football, be graceful. It’s a reaction to being outplayed.”Despite the controversy, Spanish midfielder Gavi later indicated that he did not want Paredes to receive a long ban.

Argentina is in for a big transition

Paredes’ comments come as Argentina prepare for what could be a major overhaul.Head coach Lionel Scaloni hinted at his own future after the defeat, while defender Nicolás Otamendi has already confirmed his retirement from international football after winning 139 caps, winning the 2022 World Cup and winning two Copa América titles.Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also hinted at a possible decision on his international future after the final, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s next cycle.Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds captain Lionel Messi, now 39 and yet to confirm whether the World Cup final marked the final international appearance of his extraordinary career.