| Prefer us on Google — see Tips.gg in Top Stories & Discover | Add on Google |
Leandro Paredes, the Argentina midfielder at the centre of the World Cup final controversy, is contemplating retirement from international football following a 1-0 defeat to Spain, a loss he admits was deserved.
Paredes was widely condemned after full time when he grabbed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the neck, shoved Gavi to the ground, and appeared to throw punches during the post-match disorder. He had also been fortunate to avoid a red card late in normal time for a separate foul. Football Association has since opened an investigation into Argentina’s conduct, which also included the squad turning their backs on Spain during the trophy ceremony. A separate probe is ongoing following the semi-final against England, where several Argentina players displayed a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, referencing Argentina’s territorial claim to the Falkland Islands.
Speaking to ESPN, Paredes, 32, reflected on the tournament and left his international future open:
‘For many, it will be the time to decide if to continue. It was a great journey. Maintaining that level — getting the group to continue to function as it has — will be very difficult, and there are many factors to consider. Decisions must be taken calmly. I don’t know yet if I’m ready to continue. It’s a process that takes time to assimilate and mature.’
‘It will take time to digest what we’ve been through. The pain of losing the World Cup final will stay with us for a long time, because we came so close once again. I think we played in a World Cup where people saw themselves in us, and that’s very rewarding. In that sense, I’m happy.’
Paredes has at least returned to club action, featuring for Boca Juniors in the Copa Sudamericana since the final. Spain’s Gavi has publicly called for Paredes not to be suspended, though that stance has not shielded the Argentine from criticism.
BBC Sport pundits were pointed in their assessments.
Micah Richards said: ‘It’s embarrassing. They were on the cusp every single time. Seeing that sort of stuff after the game was played, it’s not good, it’s embarrassing to be honest. Paredes is better than that. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this is not good enough.’
Joe Hart added: ‘Disgusting behaviour. There was one man on that pitch with class and that was Lionel Messi.’
Wayne Rooney said: ‘It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this from Argentina before. It’s just sad, very poor from them. If you lose a game of football, be graceful. It’s a reaction to them being outplayed. Enzo Fernandez has got what he deserves.’
Otamendi Retires After 139 Caps
Nicolas Otamendi has already made his decision. The 38-year-old centre-back announced his retirement from international football on Instagram, ending a career that spanned 139 caps — the fifth-highest total in Argentina’s history — along with eight goals, two Copa Americas, and the 2022 World Cup. He made his debut in 2009 and came on as a substitute in the final, where Spain’s opening goal by Nico Williams was ruled out after Mikel Merino was judged to have fouled Otamendi.
His final act on the world stage was a heated exchange with Spain captain Rodri in the aftermath of the defeat.
Otamendi said to Rodri: ‘Start talking less, idiot. You guys spent the whole week crying. You and [Aymeric] Laporte, both of you. That’s not how it’s done. You were crying to the referees all week, my friend.’
That outburst came in direct response to comments Laporte had made to Spanish outlet Marca ahead of the final, where the defender had accused Argentina of leaving ‘little messages’ through their challenges and called on referees to keep the match under control. Laporte argued that Argentina’s physical approach, if left unpunished, risked making the game ‘chaotic.’
In his retirement statement, Otamendi struck a very different tone:
‘From a very young age, I dreamed of wearing the Argentine national team jersey; it was the greatest privilege football has given me. I defended it with my soul, with pride, and with the responsibility of knowing what it means to millions of Argentinians.’
‘Fate decreed that my last match would be a World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, knowing that this group tried until the very last second.’
‘To those who still wear this jersey today, I want to say something from the bottom of my heart: never stop believing. There will be blows that seem impossible to overcome, but this jersey always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice, and love.’
Argentina Facing a Rebuild
The fallout from the final points to a broader transition for the national side. Manager Lionel Scaloni was visibly emotional after the match and hinted at his own exit. Lionel Messi, now 39, remains an uncertainty. The squad’s conduct throughout the tournament has drawn scrutiny at the highest level, with Football Association’s investigations still pending.
Read also: World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament: The Best XI From the Biggest World Cup Ever
Whether Paredes follows Otamendi out the door or returns to the group will become clearer in the weeks ahead. Stay with TipsGG for continued coverage of the fallout from the 2025 World Cup final and what it means for Argentina’s next chapter.