Leandro Paredes has been involved in another on-field controversy after receiving a yellow card during his second appearance for Boca Juniors, following his rapid return to club football after representing Argentina in the World Cup final on the 19th of this month.
The midfielder joined up with Boca Juniors without taking a sufficient period of rest after the final and was involved in the club’s recent Copa Sudamericana play-off against Chilean side O’Higgins. Boca Juniors progressed to the last 16 after the tie finished level on aggregate and was decided by a penalty shootout.
Paredes scored one of Boca Juniors’ successful penalties, helping the Argentine club secure qualification. However, his conduct during the match again attracted attention, with the player appearing to repeat the confrontational behaviour that had previously drawn widespread criticism in New York.
During the latest game, Paredes repeatedly protested against decisions made by Chilean referee Wilmar Roldan. His objections included exaggerated gestures and continued arguments, while he also appeared to dismiss attempts by the referee to move him away and prevent tensions from escalating.
Roldan eventually cautioned the Argentina midfielder. The booking followed Paredes’ persistent complaints and his apparent refusal to respond respectfully when the referee tried to calm the situation.
Paredes came close to receiving a second yellow card, which would have resulted in his dismissal, after continuing to protest. He avoided being sent off and remained on the pitch until the end of the match, before converting his penalty in the shootout.
The incident comes after Paredes faced significant criticism for his conduct towards several Spain players during the World Cup final. Barcelona youngster Gavi was among those most affected by his actions in that match.
Rather than showing remorse for that behaviour, according to the source, Paredes again became involved in a confrontation, this time with the match official rather than an opposing player. The latest booking means his actions did not go unpunished, although he was able to finish the match and play a part in Boca Juniors’ progress.
The midfielder had already made his second appearance for the club after featuring in both legs of the play-off against O’Higgins last week. Boca Juniors’ aggregate draw with the Chilean side was settled from the penalty spot, and Paredes’ successful attempt ensured he contributed directly to the eventual outcome.
His return to club football has therefore been marked by both immediate involvement and renewed disciplinary concerns. Having played soon after the World Cup final, Paredes has already taken part in the two-legged Copa Sudamericana tie, survived the threat of a second booking in the decisive match and helped Boca Juniors reach the last 16.
