Leandro Paredes’ World Cup final flashpoint draws little fuss in Argentina | OneFootball

Leandro Paredes’ post-final outburst has not dominated headlines in Argentina, with Boca Juniors fans mostly backing their captain despite dissenting voices. According to L'Équipe, coverage has been muted after the 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.

Talk that Paredes received a post-match red card circulated on Sunday, then was denied on Tuesday. Attention instead turned to his social media message, with the midfielder, already back in training at Boca, expressing pride at being part of what he called the best Argentina side in history.

Among Boca supporters, many credit his July 2025 return with transforming the team. Fervent fan Gabriel Sanchez argues Paredes’ intensity lifts team-mates and says the midfielder is said to have played three World Cup matches with a cracked rib.

As tempers flared late on, Paredes was seen grabbing Eric Garcia by the neck, then hauling Gavi to the turf. The same supporter framed it as stepping in for a team-mate, referencing Nahuel Molina being confronted by Spain players after he had attempted to hit Rodri in the chest.

Others were scathing. Supporter Luz Gonzalez said the scenes felt shameful and put them down to frustration, likening it to Jude Bellingham’s clash with Valentin Barco after facing England. Former Argentina international Mauro Cetto believes Paredes is a difficult opponent in part due to his attitude, and notes there were apparently Spanish provocations. Some Argentines argue double standards in Europe, with journalist Alejandro Wall writing on X that he disliked Paredes’ scuffle but questioned the reaction compared to Bellingham’s slap on Barco.

Source: L'Équipe