Leandro Paredes returns to Boca Juniors, considers Argentina exit after World Cup loss
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes returned to Boca Juniors days after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain in New York. Despite a fractured rib and hamstring injury, he played in and assisted a 1-0 Copa Sudamericana win over O'Higgins. Following the match, Paredes revealed he is considering retiring from the Argentina national team, citing emotional toll and criticism over his conduct in the final.
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Common ground
- Paredes showed real toughness by playing with a fractured rib just days after the World Cup final.
- His return to Boca Juniors shows a strong personal connection to the club.
- The debate is less about Paredes himself and more about larger cultural and media biases in football.
Points of contention
- Whether Argentina's World Cup conduct was 'toxic' or just normal competitive passion.
- If Paredes owes an apology for shoving Gavi, or if that's just part of the game.
- Whether media framing of South American players is a real double standard or a victim narrative.
Blind spots
- All sides ignore that Paredes himself has moved on and isn't part of this debate.
- The actual match context—Boca's win was driven by other players, not just Paredes—is overlooked.
- No one addresses that similar conduct from European players has also been criticized, not just celebrated.
WorldAttention’s read
This debate turned into a proxy war about cultural identity and media bias, using Paredes as a stand-in. While he showed real grit playing through injury for Boca, the arguments about Argentina's World Cup conduct and double standards are based on selective facts and personal worldviews. The real story is simpler: a footballer made a career choice to return home, and the rest is projection from people who need him to be either a hero or a villain.
Wire timeline
Paredes Faces New Controversy: Yells at and Shoves Referee in Copa Sudamericana Match
Just 12 days after the World Cup final post-match altercation, Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has sparked fresh controversy. During a Copa Sudamericana match between Boca Juniors and Chile's O'Higgins, Paredes aggressively confronted Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán, screaming in his face and shoving his arm after Roldán prepared to yellow-card a teammate. Roldán issued Paredes a yellow card. This incident occurs while FIFA is already investigating Paredes and other Argentine players for the World Cup final brawl. Despite the tension, Boca Juniors lost 0-1 in regular time but advanced to the round of 16 via a 4-3 penalty shootout. After the match, Paredes commented on a young teammate's missed panenka penalty, offering support and advice.
Leandro Paredes Plays for Boca Juniors Four Days After World Cup Final Loss, Provides Assist
Leandro Paredes returned to club action for Boca Juniors just four days after Argentina's 0-1 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The midfielder started and delivered a superb assist for the only goal in Boca's 1-0 victory over Chile's O'Higgins in the Copa Sudamericana knockout stage playoffs. Paredes, who faced criticism for his post-match behavior involving scuffles with Spanish players Gavi and Eric Garcia, stated he wanted to be available for his club coach and team. He acknowledged Spain deserved to win and congratulated them, while admitting he retains a bitter taste from the final. The article highlights his quick mental and physical recovery and his decisive contribution to his club's win.
Argentina: Leandro Paredes considers leaving the national team
Leandro Paredes, the 32-year-old Boca Juniors midfielder, is considering ending his international career with Argentina following heavy criticism for his behavior during the 2026 World Cup, particularly after the 1-0 final loss to Spain. In an interview with ESPN, Paredes admitted he is seriously thinking about his future with the Albiceleste, stating he doesn't know if he's ready to continue and that it's a process requiring time to assimilate. He acknowledged Spain's superiority in the final and rejected conspiracy theories that emerged after the tournament. Paredes also revealed he played much of the competition with a cracked rib, an injury sustained after the round of 16 match against Egypt.
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Leandro Paredes casts doubt on Argentina future after return to Boca Juniors
Leandro Paredes made a decisive return to Boca Juniors, providing an assist in a 1-0 Copa Sudamericana round of 16 first-leg victory over Chile's O'Higgins. After the match, the 32-year-old Argentine midfielder expressed uncertainty about continuing with the national team, citing the difficulty of maintaining the group's high level following a tumultuous World Cup exit. Paredes acknowledged Spain's superiority in the World Cup final, calling them the true champions, and revealed he played the tournament with a fractured rib sustained against Egypt. He emphasized the need for calm reflection on his international future, noting the emotional toll of the World Cup loss and the pride of being part of Argentina's successful eight-year run including two Copa Americas and one World Cup.
Paredes Assists in Copa Sudamericana Win Days After World Cup Final Controversy
Argentine international Leandro Paredes returned to club action for Boca Juniors just five days after playing in the World Cup final, providing a precise assist in a 1-0 home victory over Chile's O'Higgins in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoff. The only goal came in the 44th minute when Paredes delivered a lofted through ball to Uruguayan forward Miguel Merentiel, who scored on a one-on-one chance. Paredes' appearance was notable due to his involvement in a major controversy during the World Cup final against Spain, where he had physical altercations and verbal disputes with Spanish players including Gavi and Eric García. Despite the ongoing public backlash, Paredes volunteered to play, stating he wanted to be available whenever the coach calls. The match also marked the international debut of head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena in his second stint with Boca Juniors. Newly signed Colombian goalkeeper Álvaro Montero made several key saves. The second leg will be played in Chile next Thursday, with the winner advancing to face Paraguay's Recoleta in the round of 16.
Paredes Returns to Boca Juniors Days After World Cup Final Loss, Insists on Playing Copa Sudamericana with Injury
Leandro Paredes returned to Boca Juniors just four days after losing the World Cup final with Argentina, and despite carrying a fractured rib and a recent hamstring strain, voluntarily requested to play in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 first leg against O'Higgins. The midfielder, who last played for Boca on May 28 in a Copa Libertadores elimination match, aims to wash away the double pain of that defeat and the World Cup final loss by leading his club to continental glory. Coach Arruabarrena immediately included him in the starting lineup, replacing Ascacíbar. Paredes played through the World Cup with a small rib crack, which troubled him in the final matches, but his fighting spirit as captain overrides the injury. For Boca, this match represents a fresh start after Libertadores elimination, and Paredes embodies the team's pursuit of redemption.
Leandro Paredes Returns to Boca Juniors Immediately After World Cup Final Loss
Leandro Paredes has returned to Boca Juniors just days after losing the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina in New York. The midfielder arrived in Argentina on Monday night and was already training with his Boca teammates by Tuesday. He may start in the Copa Sudamericana playoff match against O'Higgins on Thursday, depending on his physical condition, as he is dealing with a rib injury. Paredes last played for Boca on May 29, when they lost 0-1 to Universidad Católica and were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores group stage. He had been playing with discomfort and was later diagnosed with a hamstring tear. Now back with the club, Paredes aims to redeem himself by helping Boca compete in the Copa Argentina, Sudamericana, and Argentine Clausura league.