The Boca Juniors midfielder disgraced himself immediately after the World Cup final loss to Spain by pushing and punching multiple Spanish players.
Having been described as a 'violent rampage' by the Express, FIFA overturned the referee's decision to award a red card to Paredes and no disciplinary action has been taken. If the farcical officiating towards Argentina wasn't enough, this has stoked the fire.
Paredes was shown on 4k cameras pushing Gavi to the ground by his throat in a savage animalistic rage following the World Cup defeat.
It was told by broadcasters that the former Roma midfielder was shown a red card but FIFA told BBC Sport that the red card was later removed from the record.
Leandro Paredes And Enzo Fernandez Respond After The World Cup Final
The 32-year-old took to Instagram to post a slideshow of pictures and said: "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."
The comments of his fellow Argentinians were supportive with one Instagram user commenting "THANK YOU FOR REPRESENTING US THE WAY ARGENTINANS LIKE".
Enzo Fernandez also took to Instagram, similarly to his midfield teammate didn't apologise for the red card that ultimately cost his nation World Cup glory.
"As time goes by, you understand that there's 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."
Without a mention of accountability and sorrow, both Argentine midfielders displayed their character both on and off the pitch.
What Punishment Could FIFA Hand Argentina?
FIFA have a multitude of directions they can treat this matter. With article 13 of the disciplinary code covers offensive behaviour and the principles of fair play, FIFA could deem the actions of Paredes as "violating the basic rules of decent conduct" and "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute."
FIFA have used this article on various occasions in recent memory, most recently to then-Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup final win against England. Rubiales was banned from all football-related activities for three years in 2023.
FIFA also used this when Uruguay striker Luis Suarez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup. The former Liverpool bagsman was suspended from all football activity for four months as a result.
La Albiceleste were fined £18,300 and no action was taken against any player involved following Martinez's lewd gesture with the Golden Glove trophy in 2022 before then being filmed mocking Mbappe in the dressing room.
It is unlikely any Argentinian players see punishments as long as those of Rubiales and Suarez but FIFA are currently investigating the matter alongside their display of a 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' which is both against the rules and false.
