Paredes hit with 10-match ban, fine, future uncertain
Paredes hit with 10-match ban, fine, future uncertain
Anonymous
Key Points
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In the post‑match brawl, Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled Gavi to the ground, with reports he also appeared to strike Gavi in the face.
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FIFA allowed the 10‑game suspension to be served during Class A friendlies as well as during competitive fixtures, expanding when the ban could be enforced.
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Messi’s retirement note included the line that he was leaving with Messi stating he had “nothing left to give,” highlighting the emotional backdrop to Paredes’ situation.
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Paredes was noted as captaining Boca Juniors at the time the reports were published, underscoring his prominent role at club level amid international uncertainty.
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The incident occurred in the wake of Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, a period described as tumultuous and linked to Messi’s international exit.
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes faces a tough choice about his international future after FIFA handed him a 10-match suspension and $90,000 fine for his role in a post-World Cup final brawl with Spain. The incident, which involved grappling with Gavi and grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat, has left Paredes uncertain whether to continue playing for Argentina, especially after his teammate Lionel Messi announced his international retirement.
Paredes has not yet discussed his plans with coach Lionel Scaloni but intends to hold talks soon to decide his path forward. Yahoo Sports reported that the 32-year-old midfielder said it will be difficult to continue with Argentina, with Messi's legacy serving as a guiding factor in his reflections about staying with the national team.
Assault Charges and FIFA Punishment Details
The brawl erupted after the World Cup final, with Paredes grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground. Talk Sport reported he also appeared to strike Gavi in the face. Authorities charged Paredes with three assaults, while teammate Nahuel Molina faced two assault charges related to the same incident.
FIFA made an unusual decision to allow the 10-game suspension to be served during Class A friendlies as well as competitive fixtures. This expands when Paredes can serve his ban, potentially affecting Argentina's future roster flexibility as they prepare for upcoming international matches.
Messi's Retirement Creates Emotional Toll
Lionel Messi's decision to step away from international football has deepened Paredes' crisis of confidence. Messi stated he had "nothing left to give" to Argentina, marking the end of an era for the national team. Al Jazeera noted that Paredes cited Messi's legacy as a key factor in reconsidering his own international standing and future with the squad.
The timing creates a perfect storm for Paredes. His mentor and captain is gone. A major suspension looms. The midfielder must now decide whether the national team remains worth the commitment, given the turmoil following the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Club Success Contrasts With International Uncertainty
While Paredes faces an uncertain future with Argentina, he holds a prominent role at club level. The 32-year-old former PSG star was captaining Boca Juniors at the time these reports surfaced, showing he remains a key player in Argentine club football despite his international troubles.
Paredes will need to weigh the prestige and pressure of international football against the stability his club career offers. His upcoming conversation with coach Scaloni will likely determine whether he pursues a quiet exit or fights to reclaim his place in the national setup.
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