Argentina hatchet man Leandro Paredes has a ‘chest full of pride’ after narrow defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, which saw him involved in an ugly post-match brawl.
A strange final in New Jersey saw Spain crowned world champions thanks to a 1-0 win after extra time.
Ferran Torres finally made the breakthrough in a match they dominated but could not put to bed, despite Argentina not managing a single shot on target in 120 minutes.
Argentina were typically physical with Spain as they looked to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm by whatever means necessary.
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Paredes is the embodiment of those roughhouse tactics, coming on at half time and finding himself in the referee’s notebook by the 52nd minute.
He was lucky not to be booked again after a string of fouls while he was on a yellow but somehow survived till the final whistle, when he really disgraced himself.
The Boca Juniors midfielder was involved in a post-match brawl which saw him shove Eric Garcia in the throat and toss Gavi to the ground. FIFA has launched an investigation into the incidents.
It was reported at the time that Paredes was given a red card after the match, but it has since been confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken, but he could face some after FIFA’s investigation takes place.
There was no mention of any of this when Paredes spoke out after the game, though, hailing his teammates and Argentina’s fans for their support at this summer’s epic event.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘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.’
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card shortly before the end of normal time, making his team’s task all the more difficult against a dominant Spain side.
He had a similar message to Paredes, with seemingly no regret and certainly no apology.
‘As time passes, you realise there is something much bigger than a result,’ Fernandez said.
‘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.’