Barbara Paredes, the sister of Argentina star Leandro, has been caught launching into a bizarre rant about England after La Albiceleste were outfought and outclassed by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday night.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, with their opponents forced to rely on physicality, foul play and defensive dark arts just to stand even the slightest chance of reaching penalties. Across the 90 minutes of normal time, Lionel Messi and co. committed 26 fouls and failed to register a single shot on target – two unwanted records that summed up a deeply frustrating night for the South Americans.
However, if anything truly exposed Argentina’s lack of class, it was the ugly scenes that unfolded after the final whistle. While Spain’s players rushed towards each other, their families and supporters to celebrate a historic triumph, several members of the Argentina camp appeared to let emotions boil over.
Punches were thrown, tempers flared, and Paredes was seen grabbing Gavi by the throat before throwing him to the ground – a chaotic and shameful ending that made nearly everyone realise how classless they can be in the pursuit of glory.
Leandro Paredes’ Sister Launches Into Bizarre Rant Abotu England
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes remonstrates with referee Slavko Vincic Jeenah Moon/Reuters
Since the semi-final win against England, many Argentines have struggled to keep the Falkland Islands out of their minds, with the players celebrating that win with a banner claiming the British-owned territory is theirs, and countless chants being sang before, during, and after the dramatic 2-1 turnaround victory – all of which FIFA refused to investigate, despite calls to do so.
While Sunday’s final loss should refocus attention on Spain’s deserved victory or prompt an honest conversation about Argentina’s misconduct, Paredes’ sister has renewed hostility towards England by passionately telling reporters (watch below):
“Getting this far and beating England along the way meant everything to us. We might not have the fourth star, but we have the Falklands for ourselves.”
The Falklands had been a huge topic in the build-up to England’s semi-final defeat and rumbled on for days afterwards, following uproar over the banner held up by Argentina players. The UK government even chimed in, saying: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.”
UK Government Could Take Unprecedented Action Against Argentine Players
Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez looks dejected as he walks off the pitch after being shown a red card by the referee REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
According to the Mirror, Argentina’s Premier League stars could theoretically have their UK work visas revoked if their conduct is considered “not conducive to the public good”, with the Home Office holding the legal authority to do so. Nevertheless, legal expert Asma Bashir has described such an outcome as “highly unlikely”.
But that’s not to say La Albiceleste won’t get away with other issues they’ve been involved with throughout the tournament. They’ve managed to stay out of political trouble, but their aggression in the final is subject to an ongoing investigation, with a range of punishments being mapped out.
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