Paredes rejoins Boca after World Cup final defeat and altercation

Leandro Paredes has returned to Boca Juniors just two days after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, where he was sent off for his involvement in a post-match brawl. The midfielder trained with his teammates on Tuesday and could feature in Thursday's Copa Sudamericana playoff first leg against O'Higgins of Chile Source: infobae; clarin.

Welcome and controversy

Boca Juniors welcomed Paredes back with a hero's reception, sharing videos of teammates forming a guard of honour. The club's social media posted "De vuelta en casa. Nuestro capitán" Source: lavozar. However, his return is overshadowed by the final's incidents: Paredes allegedly struck Spain's Eric García and Gavi, leading to a FIFA investigation that could impose sanctions Source: elmundoes. The player himself posted a message thanking Argentina, while other squad members like Lionel Messi travelled separately Source: infobae.

Injury and availability

Paredes carries a rib fracture sustained during the World Cup, but sources indicate he is determined to play. According to TyC Sports, he will be evaluated day by day and is included in the squad list for Thursday's match Source: emolcl. Clarín reports that the injury is in its final recovery stage, and Paredes has told coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena he is ready to start Source: clarin. The team's busy schedule includes league matches against Deportivo Riestra and Newell's Old Boys in the coming days Source: infobae.