AS Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes broke his silence on Monday and issued a public apology for the "shameful" gesture he made at the 2026 World Cup final awards ceremony . The Argentine midfielder, who addressed the Spanish fans who booed Messi as he left the field, acknowledged that he "did not rise to the occasion ." At afun.mx, we review his statements, the potential sanctions, and the impact on his career. Visit afun.mx and predict FIFA's decision with exclusive bonuses.

Paredes' words on social media

In a statement posted on his social media, Paredes apologized to FIFA , the Spanish national team , and Argentine fans. “I want to apologize for my behavior at the ceremony. Argentina lost a final, not respect. My behavior does not represent the values ​​of the national team,” he wrote.

The chronology of the incident

• 20/07/2026 22:08 EDT: Paredes makes an obscene gesture towards the Spanish stands.
• 20/07/2026 22:30 EDT: FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings.
• 21/07/2026 09:00 EDT: The AFA opens an internal investigation.
• 21/07/2026 14:00 EDT: Paredes publishes the apology statement.
• 22 / 07 / 2026: The Disciplinary Committee meets to resolve the case.

The sanctions Paredes faces

FIFA has the power to sanction Paredes with up to a three - match suspension from official matches with the Argentine national team, in addition to a fine of up to CHF 100.000 . The AFA , for its part, could impose an internal sanction that would include the loss of the captaincy.

Paredes' performance at the 2026 World Cup

Real-time odds: FIFA's sanction

Prediction and key points of the incident

The incident has overshadowed Argentina's 2026 World Cup campaign. The Mexican national team , which lost to Brazil in the quarterfinals, condemned Paredes ' behavior on social media and reiterated that fair play should take precedence over results.

• afun.mx prediction: FIFA sanctions Paredes with a 2-match ban and a fine of 30.000 CHF.
• Mexican perspective: la Mexican national team 2026 He will receive €12 million in prize money for his participation in the World Cup quarter-finals.
• Paredes' gaze: The midfielder could be sold by Roma in the August transfer window.
• Calendar: la CONCACAF 2026 Qualifiers It begins in September with Mexico against the USA.

Paredes ' statement is a first step, but it doesn't erase the incident. At afun.mx you can predict FIFA's sanction, the 2030 World Cup champion , and the remaining 2026 World Cup matches with enhanced odds and exclusive bonuses.

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