FIFA hasn't dealt with it yet, Argentine star sparks new scandal

The uproar from the World Cup final had barely subsided when Leandro Paredes ignited fresh debate among fans with a divisive move in a Boca Juniors match. International media reports suggest the midfielder is now confronting a new surge of criticism.

Leandro Paredes once again became the center of media attention after the match between Boca Juniors and Central Cordoba in the national league. According to the Mirror, the 32-year-old midfielder was involved in a situation deemed unsportsmanlike, causing a wave of criticism to erupt on social media and football forums.

Earlier, Paredes had sparked intense controversy after Argentina's 0-1 loss to Spain in the World Cup final after extra time. Television footage allegedly captured him charging into confrontation with opposing players, even appearing to swing his arm towards Gavi before knocking the midfielder to the ground. FIFA confirmed it has opened an investigation into Paredes' behavior and he faces the risk of suspension. However, that was not the end as the Boca Juniors midfielder continued to cause a stir with a new action.

In the clash against Central Cordoba, Paredes was only on the field for 14 minutes but still became a notable figure. A video circulating on social media shows him apparently kicking the ball directly at an opposing player just as the player got up after a foul. However, many opinions suggest this was just a clearance while the referee had not yet blown the whistle.

The incident quickly sparked a heated debate. An article from the Mirror cited comments from across social media. Accordingly, one fan wrote: "This person should be punished by FIFA. He is a disease of football. Remove him from this sport." Another equally harsh opinion: "He needs to be banned for a few months. It's shameful." Meanwhile, a fan commented: "Truly one of the most hated players of all time. And then Argentines play the victim when they are hated, while it's completely justified." Another comment concluded: "Pure thuggery. Must be banned from playing."

Not stopping there, another video also captured Paredes reacting angrily to the referee when a foul was not called. This further stirred up mixed opinions. One fan sarcastically said: "He doesn't like it when others treat him the way he treats many other players. Now he has tasted that feeling." However, there are also many people siding with the Argentine midfielder.

Those defending Paredes argue that he did not intentionally play dirty. One fan argued: "The referee hadn't blown the whistle, the ball was still in play, and he just cleared it. The opposing player fell down and got up immediately. Everything is being blown out of proportion." Another person also emphasized: "If you watch the video with sound, it's very clear that Paredes cleared the ball before the referee blew the whistle."

Although the new incident is still highly controversial and there is no official conclusion on whether Paredes acted intentionally, the Argentine midfielder is clearly continuing to face enormous pressure from public opinion. In the context of FIFA has not yet issued a final ruling on the incident in the World Cup final, every action of his on the field will be scrutinized more closely than ever.