Leandro Paredes has described his 10 match FIFA suspension for the brawl following the 2026 World Cup final as excessive, questioning why Spain's Gavi received only a one match ban despite, in his account, being the one who struck him.
"It seems exaggerated, because the strange thing is that Gavi was given a one match ban and he's the one who punched me in the chest," Paredes told reporters after playing a match for Boca Juniors on Saturday.
"But oh well, it's done. Now we just have to appeal and see if they can reduce the sanction, that's all."
The Argentina midfielder was also fined $90,000 alongside his ban, and said he remained hopeful the sanction could still be reduced once the Argentine Football Association's appeal is heard.
It seems exaggerated, because the strange thing is that Gavi was given a one match ban and he's the one who punched me in the chest.Leandro Paredes, Argentina midfielder
The incidents stemmed from ugly scenes that followed Spain's 1-0 extra time win over Argentina in the World Cup final in July, settled by a Ferran Torres goal.
Paredes and Thiago Almada were involved in an altercation with Eric Garcia, and when Gavi stepped in to defend his teammate, he was pulled to the ground by the Argentine players.
Further flashpoints followed elsewhere on the pitch. Nahuel Molina struck Rodri Hernandez in the torso as the Spanish midfielder celebrated the title, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was involved in an incident with Dani Olmo.
FIFA's disciplinary process ultimately handed Paredes the heaviest punishment among those involved, a 10 match ban and fine reported at either $90,000 or 78,000 euros depending on the source.
Molina received a seven match suspension and matching fine, Almada a one match ban, and Ayala a three match touchline suspension, with each of the latter three fined 27,000 euros.
Gavi was banned for a single match and fined $30,000.
FIFA also fined the Argentine Football Association (AFA) 270,000 euros over a political banner brought into the stadium by supporters and displayed by some players during the post match celebrations.
The federation's appeal did bring some relief, with FIFA agreeing this week that the suspended players could begin serving their bans during senior international friendlies rather than exclusively in competitive fixtures, significantly reducing the number of official matches likely to be missed.
Even with that concession, Paredes and Molina will remain unavailable for Argentina for the remainder of 2026.
Current estimates suggest Paredes may not be available again until the international window in September and October 2027, meaning his absence from the national team could stretch beyond a full year.