After the final – brutal behavior of the Argentines: they kicked opponents one after another
Argentina’s coach did not finish the press conference – broke down in tears and did not answer the key question
A day later, on Tuesday, the Argentine announced a message expressing regret that the Argentina team failed to defend the title won four years ago in Qatar.
“Today I write with deep pain in my soul because we were unable to give you the joy that our country deserved, but my heart is full of pride because we gave everything we had to raise the flag high again,” wrote L. Paredes.
The Buenos Aires club “Boca Juniors” player continued:
“It was an honor to be part of the best Argentina team in history,” he wrote. “Thank you, Argentina. I love you today and always.”
L. Paredes thanked his teammates, but the message did not include an apology or remorse for his behavior after the final whistle.
This footballer was punished with a red card after the match for aggressive behavior after the final.
After the Argentine Nahuel Molina hit Rodri when the Spanish footballers were running across the field to celebrate, a big conflict broke out. During it, L. Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the neck and pushed him. Then he grabbed another Spanish footballer, Gavi, by the shirt and knocked him down on the grass.
The Argentine newspaper “La Nacion” wrote that even the footballer’s mother did not condemn her son.
“I am very proud. I love everyone in our team. Leandro was sad but also happy because they gave everything,” Myriam Benitez said about her son at the airport. “I think they gave their all, and we do not pay attention to criticism. Let others talk.”
The player’s mother also revealed that L. Paredes played three matches in the World Cup despite a cracked rib. Usually, such an injury heals in 3-6 weeks, but there is no special treatment for broken ribs.
“He had an injury, but everything is fine. I know what the Argentina team means to my son, and I also know that he will recover soon,” said M. Benitez.
The footballer’s sister Barbara Paredes emphasized other matches – the won semifinal against England, with whom Argentina has political disputes over the Falkland Islands belonging to the British.
“Everyone is happy. We did not expect to go this far. The victory against England was huge. We do not have the fourth star (the fourth world champion title), but we have the Falkland Islands,” said the footballer’s sister.
