<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/christian-pulisic/">Christian Pulisic</a>’s Milan could receive a major boost ahead of the new season, with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>’s Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes suddenly emerging as a surprise transfer target. While Ruben Amorim continues searching for reinforcements in midfield, reports from Argentina suggest the Serie A giant has already made a concrete move.



The development has quickly become one of the most intriguing stories of the summer transfer window. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/leandro-paredes/">Paredes</a>, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, is currently the captain of Boca Juniors, making any potential departure far more complicated than a routine transfer.



According to Martin Arevalo of ESPN Argentina, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ac-milan/">Milan</a> has already submitted an offer to Boca Juniors for the 32-year-old midfielder. While no financial details have been disclosed, multiple reports from Argentina and Italy agree that the Rossoneri have taken concrete steps toward trying to bring the experienced ace back to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/serie-a/">Serie A</a>.



Journalist Martin Arevalo reported that Milan has made a “significant offer” for the Argentine international, although he admitted that he did not know the transfer fee involved or the player’s intentions.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">"MILAN TIENE UNA OFERTA CONCRETA PARA COMPRAR A LEANDRO PAREDES" <a href="https://x.com/arevalo_martin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arevalo_martin</a> ▶️ Mirá <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/BuenD%C3%ADaESPN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BuenDíaESPN</a> en el Plan Premium de <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DisneyPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DisneyPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/cNlVIKfs9Q">pic.twitter.com/cNlVIKfs9Q</a>— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) <a href="https://x.com/ESPNArgentina/status/2085719068493877299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



The reported interest comes as the Italian outfit continues evaluating options to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes. Ruben Amorim has publicly prioritized adding another central midfielder, and previous targets have proven difficult to secure, opening the door for unexpected alternatives.



<h2>Possible move depends on one factor</h2>



Paredes returned to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/boca-juniors/">Boca</a> in the summer of 2025 from Roma for a reported fee of around $3.5 million. He remains under contract until the end of 2028, leaving the Xeneize in a strong negotiating position if Milan decides to pursue the deal aggressively.



The transfer also depends on the Serie A giant creating room within its current squad. According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Rossoneri are expected to offload several midfielders before completing another signing.



Warren Bondo has reportedly been made available for transfer, while Yunus Musah is not expected to play a central role under Amorim. The club is also believed to be willing to evaluate suitable offers for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana, Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci if opportunities arise before the market closes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/06/17143905/luka-modric-croatia-1920x1080.webp" alt="Luka Modric of AC Milan." class="wp-image-655387"><figcaption>Luka Modric of AC Milan.</figcaption></figure>



Meanwhile, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and promising youngster Christian Comotto are considered the midfielders most likely to remain at San Siro when the new campaign begins.



<h2>Decorated career could return to Serie A</h2>



Paredes would arrive with extensive experience at the highest level of European soccer. Before returning to Boca, he represented clubs including Roma, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus while establishing himself as one of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a>‘s most reliable midfielders.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/11135521/messi-paredes-argentina-1920x1080.webp" alt="messi paredes argentina" class="wp-image-664961"><figcaption>Lionel Messi (L) and Leandro Paredes of Argentina celebrate</figcaption></figure>



His international résumé is equally impressive. The 32-year-old played a significant role in La Albiceleste’s 2022 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a> triumph alongside Lionel Messi, adding another major honor to a career that also includes Copa América success.



That experience is precisely what could appeal to Amorim. Milan already possesses youthful energy throughout its squad, and adding another proven winner in midfield could provide valuable balance during a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.

Christian Pulisic’s Milan chases Lionel Messi’s World Cup-winning Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes, but deal hinges on one key factor

Christian Pulisic’s Milan chases Lionel Messi's World Cup-winning Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes, but deal hinges on one key factor - World Soccer Talk

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The fallout from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a> final continues to escalate, particularly following the wild postgame brawl that erupted on the pitch at MetLife Stadium. In response, soccer’s global governing body has opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Spain midfielder <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/gavi/">Gavi</a> and several Argentina players, while hitting the Argentine Football Association (AFA) with four alleged code violations.



In a statement released Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that its Disciplinary Committee launched an official investigation into the AFA for potential breaches across four separate articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The charges include “using a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature,” “inappropriate behavior,” “discrimination and racist attacks,” and failure to maintain “order and security at matches.”



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fifa/">FIFA</a> cited a series of infractions spanning the entire tournament, not just the chaotic scenes after the final whistle against Spain, including “discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kickoffs, non-compliance with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators across multiple matches,” such as a controversial flag displayed following their win over England.



<h2>Players, coaching staff face potential suspensions</h2>



FIFA also singled out key figures involved in the postgame scrum following the final whistle. The list of investigated individuals includes Argentine players <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/leandro-paredes/">Leandro Paredes</a>, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Midfielder Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, universally known as Gavi, was the sole Spanish player named in the proceedings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/20194318/argentina-spain-1920x1080.webp" alt="Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Eric Garcia #4 of Spain have words after the World Cup 2026 Final." class="wp-image-667491"><figcaption>Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Eric Garcia #4 of Spain have words after the World Cup 2026 Final.</figcaption></figure>



Paredes faces the most severe scrutiny, with proceedings opened for three counts of assault following his physical altercation with Eric Garcia and Gavi. Fellow <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a> defender Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was charged with one count stemming from a heated confrontation with Dani Olmo.


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Beyond the assault allegations, FIFA initiated separate proceedings for potential violations regarding unsporting behavior. The governing body levied single charges of unsportsmanlike conduct against Molina, Almada, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/">Spain</a>’s Gavi for their involvement in the melee.



<h2>No rulings issued yet as parties prepare defense</h2>



Despite opening formal proceedings, FIFA has not yet handed down any fines or suspensions to the players, coaches, or the AFA. Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the Argentine federation and the individuals named have been granted time to submit evidence, present their accounts of the incident, and file a formal response to the charges.



Once the Disciplinary Committee reviews the submitted defenses alongside broadcast footage and official match reports, FIFA will issue its final rulings and penalties. Potential sanctions will be evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis.

FIFA opens disciplinary cases against Gavi and Argentina, with AFA accused of four World Cup breaches

FIFA opens disciplinary cases against Gavi and Argentina, with AFA accused of four World Cup breaches - World Soccer Talk

Leandro Paredes is already back in domestic action with Boca Juniors following Argentina’s World Cup run, and he didn’t shy away from addressing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>‘s international future when given the chance.



Speaking in the mixed zone at La Bombonera after Boca’s 1-0 win over O’Higgins in the Copa Sudamericana, where <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/leandro-paredes/">Paredes</a> provided the assist for Miguel Merentiel’s winning goal, the midfielder revealed new details about what Messi had planned heading into the World Cup final.



According to Paredes, Messi had already made up his mind that the final against Spain would be his last match with the national team, even if his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a> teammates were hoping for a different outcome.



“It hurts, because we didn’t want that last match to arrive. He had made a decision, which was for that to be his last match with the Argentina national team. Hopefully not, hopefully he can keep playing,” Paredes said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/06/22170310/messi-paredes-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-657754"><figcaption>Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes celebrate a goal for Argentina. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The midfielder made clear that whatever Messi ultimately decides will have the group’s full support, framing it as a personal call rather than something teammates should try to influence. “It’s going to be his decision. Whatever makes him happy will surely make us happy too,” he added.


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<h2>Paredes on his own future with the national team</h2>



Paredes isn’t just weighing in on Messi’s situation, he’s also facing questions about his own future with Argentina. At 32 years old, the Boca midfielder admitted he’s beginning to consider whether to continue at the international level following an emotional cycle with the national team.



“I think for many of us, it’s going to come down to thinking about whether to continue or not. It was a beautiful, spectacular process and we achieved important things. It’s going to be very difficult to maintain this level, for the group to keep functioning this way. You have to think it over, weigh a lot of things. Decisions like this have to be made calmly,” Paredes said.



Asked directly whether he had reached a conclusion, he stopped short of confirming anything just yet. “I don’t know. Honestly… I don’t know. It’s a process. You have to digest it, think it over. You shouldn’t make hasty decisions. But it’s definitely something that needs to be talked about,” he said.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina future revealed by Leandro Paredes: ‘He had made a decision’

Lionel Messi's Argentina future revealed by Leandro Paredes: 'He had made a decision' - World Soccer Talk

The chaotic scenes that followed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/spain-vs-argentina-live-updates-minute-by-minute-coverage-of-the-2026-world-cup-final/">Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina</a> in the 2026 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a> final quickly became one of the tournament’s biggest talking points, with Leandro Paredes at the center of the controversy after a physical confrontation with several Spain players once the final whistle blew.



Amid speculation over whether <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/leandro-paredes-receives-unexpected-fifa-punishment-update-after-heated-2026-world-cup-final-moment-vs-spain/">FIFA would hand Paredes a suspension for his role in the incident</a>, Gavi, one of the players directly involved in the clash, decided to speak out. The Barcelona midfielder made clear he doesn’t believe punishment is the right outcome, despite having been on the receiving end of the confrontation himself.



“I’ll tell you the truth, I don’t think they should be suspended. I understand it’s not a good image for kids, but I think there’s also that part of football that’s a bit more physical. At the end of the day, it’s all football, and it should always stay that way, just football,” <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/gavi/">Gavi</a> said, via Zona Mixta on X (formerly Twitter).



<h2>What happened with Paredes</h2>



The confrontation broke out immediately after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, as Spain’s substitutes rushed onto the field to celebrate. Cameras caught <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/leandro-paredes/">Paredes</a> grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat during the chaos, before becoming involved in a separate altercation with Gavi moments later, throwing the 21-year-old to the ground.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">SE ENOJÓ LEANDRO: Paredes golpeó a Éric García y a Gavi mientras festejaban muy cerca de él. ⚽ <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ESPNMundial?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESPNMundial</a> 📺 Mirá los mejores partidos de la <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> por ESPN, en el Plan Premium de <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DisneyPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DisneyPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ylhqavw0CF">pic.twitter.com/Ylhqavw0CF</a>— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) <a href="https://x.com/SC_ESPN/status/2078966714478252042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



Initial reports indicated that referee Slavko Vincic had shown Paredes a red card for his conduct, but FIFA later clarified that no such card was ever issued. The situation isn’t fully closed, though, as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/argentina-faces-potential-sanctions-as-fifa-opens-disciplinary-review-into-world-cup-final-clash-with-spain/">FIFA has since opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct</a> following the final.


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This probe could still result in sanctions against Paredes or other members of the delegation, including Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, both of whom were also involved in separate incidents during the post-match chaos.



<h2>Roberto Ayala apologizes for punching Dani Olmo</h2>



Argentina’s assistant coach was also caught up in the post-final chaos, throwing a punch at Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. Days later, Ayala addressed the incident in an interview with Esports Migdia on Valencia Capital Radio, expressing regret and saying he intends to apologize to Olmo in person.



“Obviously I’m sorry. Given the position I hold, I can’t allow a feeling, or whatever I might get from the other side, to change my mood and my actions. I’m sorry, for me these are things that stay in the moment and that’s it,” Ayala said.



He also pushed back on how the incident had been described, insisting it wasn’t as severe as reported. “For me, you have to cut things off and leave it there. It was more of a shove than anything else, it wasn’t a punch like people are saying, and it ended there. It was a reaction to something that was said, but that’s it, if I see him I’ll obviously apologize in person,” he explained.



Ayala closed by taking ownership of his actions, while explaining his intentions in the moment. “My intention was to go in and separate them, but sometimes you run into things that happen with your adrenaline through the roof. That’s no excuse, though, and given the position I hold, my behavior has to be different, no matter what I’m on the receiving end of,” he concluded.

Gavi breaks silence on Leandro Paredes after post-final brawl at the 2026 World Cup

Gavi breaks silence on Leandro Paredes after post-final brawl at the 2026 World Cup - World Soccer Talk

It wasn’t the best match of the competition, but the final of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 World Cup</a> between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argentina</a> raised controversy because of how it ended. After Spain won the title, Leandro Paredes became involved in a post-match altercation with several Spanish players, drawing criticism from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/zlatan-ibrahimovic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zlatan Ibrahimovic</a>.



Ibrahimovic said: “Paredes can be happy that there wasn’t a player like me on the field. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It was unprofessional of him. I don’t know what the Spanish players were doing. They simply watched another player hit a teammate.”



After the match ended in Spain’s favor, the players entered the field and mocked their Argentine opponents, with the result on their side, in another questionable attitude. This prompted a reaction from Paredes, who pushed Eric García before throwing Gavi to the ground in an altercation that did not last long.



<h2>Ibrahimovic hailed Spain</h2>



Spain was ultimately the best team of the competition. Even after beginning with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, the team found its best version and went on to win every remaining match.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/21222929/paredes-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-667825"><figcaption>Paredes didn’t react well to being mocked after the match (Al Bello/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



That was also the case in the final, with Spain controlling possession and benefiting from injuries to players on the other team that forced Argentina to sit back, while a red card made things even easier for Spain in extra time.


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Ibrahimovic said: “Soccer won today. The way Spain plays, the way they competed at this World Cup, that’s what people want to see. Argentina didn’t have a single shot on target. Spain had the best defense in the tournament, and the team that deserved to win did. I said it before the World Cup, and that’s how it turned out.”



<h2>Ibrahimovic’s history in the competition</h2>



Ibrahimovic’s career was phenomenal, albeit he could never win the Champions League despite playing for teams such as Barcelona, Inter and Juventus. His numbers with Sweden in the World Cup were not as impressive, ashe failed to score in five matches across two editions. He also failed to reach the tournament with Sweden on two other occasions, while he was not called up for the 2018 edition.

‘Paredes can be happy that there wasn’t a player like me’, Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts to the post-match incident between Argentina and Spain

‘Paredes can be happy that there wasn’t a player like me’, Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts to the post-match incident between Argentina and Spain - World Soccer Talk

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‘Paredes can be happy that there wasn’t a player like me’, Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts to the post-match incident between Argentina and Spain