Argentina thug Leandro Paredes booked for classless act just weeks after World Cup final ‘punch’
LEANDRO PAREDES has landed himself in hot water again after being booked for another classless act during Boca Juniors’ latest match.
The thuggish Argentina midfielder has become notorious for letting his temper boil over and this latest incident is only likely to add to his unwanted reputation.
With an opponent already tumbling to the turf, Paredes lashed the ball straight at the falling player, sparking angry scenes on the pitch.
The referee immediately reached for his pocket and showed the former Roma and Paris Saint-Germain star a yellow card for his actions.
The incident quickly went viral online, with fans slamming the midfielder’s behaviour.
One supporter wrote: “He never learns.”
Another fumed: “How is he always involved in something like this?”
A third posted: “Typical Paredes.”
While one added: “The easiest yellow card you’ll ever see.”
It comes just weeks after Paredes was at the centre of the heated bust-up following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
The Argentine midfielder held Spain’s Eric Garcia by the neck after 90 minutes in the World Cup finalCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Leandro Paredes est toujours aussi sympathique sur le terrain… 😶pic.twitter.com/7CPa5KqbbF
— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) August 3, 2026
The midfielder lost his cool at the final whistle as he became embroiled in a confrontation with several Spain players, with chaotic scenes breaking out after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat.
Reports from the aftermath alleged he threw a punch during the melee, while team-mates Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Otamendi were also involved in a fiery confrontation with Rodri.
But this is far from the first time Paredes has made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Back in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands, Paredes sparked one of the tournament’s biggest flashpoints.
After flying into a reckless challenge on Nathan Ake, the midfielder then smashed the ball into the Dutch dugout, triggering a mass confrontation involving players and coaching staff.
Virgil van Dijk charged into Paredes, sending him sprawling as tempers boiled over, with many believing the Argentine was fortunate not to be sent off.
Paredes also endured a remarkable collapse while playing for Roma against Genoa in May 2024.
Already frustrated, he was shown two yellow cards in the space of seconds after repeatedly arguing with the referee, earning himself an early walk down the tunnel.
The latest booking will do little to shake Paredes’ reputation as one of football‘s most combustible midfielders.
Despite his undeniable quality on the ball, the 32-year-old continues to divide opinion with his fiery temperament and his latest moment of madness has once again left fans questioning whether he will ever learn.
Credit: The Sun




