Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has spoken publicly for the first time since his country's painful defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, describing the loss as a reminder that 'football can be cruel' after the defending champions fell just short of retaining their crown.
Paredes shared an emotional message on social media on 21 July, two days after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The midfielder expressed pride in his teammates and the national team despite the heartbreaking outcome, saying the squad had given everything in pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.
