Leandro Paredes is poised to play for Boca Juniors on Thursday night, just four days after appearing in the World Cup final.
The Argentina midfielder came on at half-time in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in New Jersey, playing 75 minutes as the game went to extra-time.
Paredes received widespread criticism after being involved in the disgraceful scenes at the final whistle that saw several Spain players physically assaulted by Argentines. Paredes was at the centre of the controversy, grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing Gavi to the turf.
It was widely reported that the 32-year-old had been sent-off for his actions but it later came to light that no action had been taken by referee Slavko Vincic. Paredes is still likely to face a sanction, though, with FIFA set to open an investigation into Argentina’s conduct.
The former PSG, Juventus and Roma man took to Instagram the day after the game but offered no apology.
He wrote: “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.”
Paredes trains with Boca
Having flown back to Argentina on Monday and joined in the celebrations that greeted the team’s return, Paredes immediately linked back up with the Boca squad at their Buenos Aires training complex.
Paredes was filmed working out in the gym and training with his team-mates ahead of the Copa Sudamericana clash with Chilean side O’Higgins at La Bombonera.
The Boca skipper has been named in the squad and is expected to start on the bench despite sustaining a minor rib injury during the World Cup.
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