Leandro Paredes has dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, insisting his team simply lost to the better side while admitting he remains uncertain about his international future.
The midfielder returned to action for Boca Juniors just four days after the World Cup final and helped his club secure a 1-0 victory before speaking to ESPN about the aftermath of Argentina’s defeat.
Paredes revealed he played through a rib fracture during the tournament after suffering the injury against Egypt.
“The first few days were very difficult because I had a fractured rib. I’m much better now. The pain was intense after the Egypt match, but with the help of the medical staff I managed it as much as possible and kept playing.”
The Argentina international also rejected speculation sparked by Lionel Messi’s dressing-room speech before the final. A viral video of Messi urging his teammates to stay calm fuelled conspiracy theories after Argentina’s disappointing performance against Spain.
Paredes refused to entertain those claims.
“If we keep listening to everything that has been said before, during and after the World Cup, we’ll go crazy.”
He accepted Spain deserved to lift the trophy despite Argentina’s disappointment.
“We had a great World Cup. Spain were better than us in the final. They deserved to be champions. What we’ve achieved over the last eight years has been extraordinary and I’m proud to have been part of it.”
Paredes admitted the pain of losing another World Cup final would take time to fade.
“It will take a long time to get over it. We achieved many great things, but losing a World Cup final hurts because we came so close again. Even so, we have to appreciate what we’ve achieved. Maintaining this level for so long is not easy.”
Asked about the futures of Lionel Messi, head coach Lionel Scaloni and even his own international career, the 32-year-old said no decisions should be rushed.
“Many of us now have to think about whether we will continue. I don’t know about my own future either. First I need to process everything and think carefully. We have to discuss it calmly before making any decisions.”
