Leandro Paredes has broken his silence after Argentina's World Cup final defeat against Spain. The midfielder was involved in several heated altercations following the full-time whistle.
Ferran Torres netted a 106th-minute winner as La Roja added a second star to their badge, as 10-man Argentina struggled to ever threaten the opposition.
Enzo Fernandez's red card in the 93rd minute appeared to be the spark that led to tensions boiling over. Immediately after the full-time whistle, Dani Olmo was punched by an Argentine member of staff, Nicolas Otamendi confronted Rodri and Paredes grabbed and threw Gavi to the ground.
The Boca Juniors midfielder appeared to be at the centre of the post-match meltdown. He's now posted his first words after the defeat.
Leandro Paredes Breaks Silence After World Cup Final
Argentina's Leandro Paredes remonstrates with referee Slavko VincicJeenah Moon/Reuters
It was initially believed and reported that Paredes had been shown a red card among the chaotic scenes after the game had ended. However, FIFA has since confirmed to BBC Sport that the 32-year-old was never actually sent off.
The governing body has since 'deleted' the red card from his record, after it was incorrectly noted. While he hasn't received any punishment at the time of writing, Paredes could still be in hot water as FIFA have opened an investigation into Argentina's behaviour after the final.
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Paredes has since taken to social media to post a lengthy statement, although he opted not to address the controversy. He stated: "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."
FIFA Told to Ban Paredes From the Next World Cup
Argentina's Leandro Paredes clashes with Spain's Gavi after the matchREUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Paredes will be 36 years old when the 2030 World Cup rolls around. Therefore, his chances of being selected are quite slim. Nonetheless, former England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has called on FIFA to take drastic action and ban him from the event anyway.
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His comments look very interesting in hindsight.
Labelling the ex-PSG midfielder 'a coward', Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT: "No matter what happens in football, you can be angry you lost, but be classy in defeat. If you want to fight Paredes, there are places to fight - not on the pitch against Garcia.
"And the way he was manhandling Gavi, a 21-year-old kid, and you were throwing him around on the pitch, that's someone's son, brother.
"Disgraceful. I would ban him from the whole next tournament if I had my way. Coward."