Key Takeaways:
- Leandro Paredes avoided further FIFA punishment after his post-match altercation in the World Cup final against Spain
- Both Paredes and Enzo Fernandez addressed supporters on social media without issuing apologies for their conduct
- Argentina finished extra time with a numerical disadvantage after Fernandez was dismissed in the 90th minute for a second bookable offence
Match Incident and Aftermath
Leandro Paredes has addressed his supporters following a dramatic series of events after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final. The midfielder, cautioned in the 52nd minute, narrowly avoided a second booking during the remainder of the encounter. Immediately after the final whistle, however, tensions erupted as Paredes launched an aggressive assault on Spanish players amid their celebrations.
Captured by television cameras, Paredes was seen pushing Eric Garcia in the throat and forcefully sending Gavi to the ground in clear frustration. Reports at the time suggested that he was issued a red card by the match official. Nevertheless, as reported by BBC Sport, the sanction was subsequently removed from official records, and FIFA ultimately elected not to impose any disciplinary measures against the midfielder.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: FIFA has confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken against Leandro Paredes after the World Cup final. 🇦🇷
Paredes was initially reported as having been sent off by referee Slavko Vinčić for appearing to push Gavi by the throat.
However, the red card… pic.twitter.com/UkEx2J9X7N
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 21, 2026
Paredes and Fernandez Respond on Social Media
Following the aftermath, Paredes took to Instagram, posting an extensive message to Argentina fans. Notably, he neither apologised for his actions nor referenced the controversial scenes:
He wrote: “Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves.
“But with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team.
“To this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.”
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez also endured discipline issues, receiving a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Pau Cubarsi late in normal time. His dismissal placed Argentina at a disadvantage during extra time, yet Fernandez, like Paredes, did not mention an apology in his subsequent social media statement.
Fernandez wrote: “As time passes, you realise there is something much bigger than a result. For years, this group has represented our country in the best possible way.
“It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up.
“Being part of this group, which has always stood up, competed to the very end, and defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment, is something I’ll always cherish.
“I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for your affection, for your unconditional support, and for making us feel at home no matter where we are in the world.
“Wearing my country’s shirt is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give everything I have every time I’m called upon to defend it.”
Implications for Argentina
Despite the high tensions and emotional fallout, neither player chose to directly address or apologise for their actions following the match. Paredes and Fernandez focused their messages on their pride in the squad and the support received from the Argentine fanbase, as questions remain regarding their discipline on the world stage.
