Leandro Paredes is bracing for a lengthy suspension after FIFA opened a formal investigation into violent conduct during Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey. The 32-year-old midfielder jabbed Eric Garcia in the throat and shoved Barcelona youngster Gavi to the ground as chaos erupted at the final whistle, earning a red card from referee Slavko Vincic.
The confrontation spiraled after Nahuel Molina struck Manchester City star Rodri Hernandez as Spain celebrated winning the 2026 World Cup. This flashpoint ignited a broader melee involving multiple players from both squads, forcing Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni to intervene and restore order. Paredes became the focal point of the disorder, with his actions caught in high-definition footage now under FIFA's scrutiny.
Potential Punishment and Investigation Scope
Under FIFA's Disciplinary Code, violent conduct can result in bans lasting at least three matches for international competition. If the governing body deems Paredes' actions premeditated rather than a reaction to the high-pressure environment, the suspension could extend several months and force him to miss critical qualifying matches for Argentina. The midfielder must serve any ban during his nation's next official competitive fixtures.
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee is not limiting its review to Paredes alone. Assistant coach Fabian Ayala faces potential sanctions after footage showed him striking Spain's Dani Olmo and shoving Eric Garcia during the fracas. Molina is also under investigation for the initial contact with Rodri that sparked the wider confrontation.
Context and Historical Precedent
This incident adds to Argentina's growing disciplinary record. FIFA had already been investigating the squad's conduct following their semi-final victory over England, where players displayed a banner regarding the Falkland Islands—a politically sensitive gesture. That pattern of controversial behavior may influence how severely FIFA treats the New Jersey incidents, signaling the governing body could impose particularly firm sanctions this time.
For Paredes, a World Cup-winning hero from Qatar 2022 and a beloved figure at his boyhood club Boca Juniors, the suspension represents a significant setback. His fiery temperament has repeatedly tested the boundaries of fair play, and this latest episode threatens to overshadow what should have been a defining moment in Argentina's tournament. The midfielder's availability for upcoming international qualifiers now hangs in the balance as FIFA's investigation continues.
