New footage has emerged of World Cup final referee begging Lionel Messi to ‘control’ Leandro Paredes before his violent outburst at full-time.
The game between Argentina and Spain descended into chaos after the final whistle last month, when Paredes lost his cool and launched an attack on Eric Garcia and Gavi after Spain were confirmed as champions.
Now, it has emerged that referee, Slavko Vincic of Slovenia, had pleaded with Argentina captain Messi earlier in the game to control one of football’s biggest hot heads.
In footage shared from the successful referee cam, Vincic can be heard saying: ‘Messi, control Paredes. I don’t want to… he has yellow. Control please. Always, always.’
The midfielder, who was brought on at half-time and booked six minutes later, made it to full-time, but then lost his cool.
The 32-year-old grabbed defender Eric Garcia by the neck, pushed over Gavi and also appeared to throw punches after Argentina’s defeat. He was also fortunate not to be sent off towards the end of normal time for a foul.
Footage has emerged of the World Cup final referee pleading with Lionel Messi to ‘control’ Leandro Paredes
Paredes lost his cool after full-time against Spain as he clashed with Eric Garcia and Gavi
FIFA has since launched disciplinary proceedings against Paredes for the unsavoury scenes – he faces three counts of assault as well as a charge of unsporting behaviour.
The ref cam, meawhile, also showed the moment Vincic received his medal from Donald Trump, when he was told he did a ‘great job’.
Paredes has since returned to club action and played for Boca Juniors in their 2-2 draw at Newell’s Old Boys two weeks ago in the Argentine Primera Division – Torneo Clausura.
And during that encounter, the 32-year-old was back producing some ‘dark arts’ with one particular flashpoint.
Trailing 2-1 to the hosts, Paredes started an on-pitch melee when he appeared to deliberately kick a ball at a stricken opponent on 68 minutes.
As the player, who had just been fouled, was returning to his feet and with his back turned, Paredes booted the ball at him.
The act saw angry players from Newell’s Old Boys confront him before the referee brandished him a yellow card for his act.
