Paredes sparks fresh Boca Juniors controversy after World Cup final referee warning

New referee-camera footage from the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, which Spain won 1-0, has revealed how Slovenian official Slavko Vincic tried to prevent Leandro Paredes from losing his temper.

Vincic was shown appealing to Argentina captain Lionel Messi during the match, asking him to help control his team-mate. The referee said: “Messi, control Paredes. I don’t want to… he has a yellow card. Control him please. Always, always.”

Paredes had come on as a second-half substitute and was booked only six minutes after entering the game. He remained on the pitch until the final whistle but became involved in further scenes of anger once the match had ended.

The footage, reported by the Daily Mail, also showed Vincic receiving his medal from United States president Donald Trump. Trump told the referee that he had “done a great job”.

The final descended into disorder after the referee’s whistle, with Paredes confronting Spain’s players. The midfielder had already been fortunate not to be sent off during the closing stages of normal time after committing an offence that could have warranted a second yellow card.

Fifa subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against Paredes over the inappropriate scenes. He faces three charges of assault and one charge of unsporting conduct.

Paredes returned to action for Boca Juniors after the final controversy and played in a 2-2 draw against Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina’s Torneo Clausura two weeks ago.

The 32-year-old midfielder was booked again after becoming involved in another confrontation in the 68th minute. He appeared to deliberately kick the ball towards a Newell’s Old Boys player who had been fouled and was attempting to get back to his feet with his back turned towards Paredes.

The incident prompted an angry reaction from the home players, who moved towards the Boca Juniors midfielder. The referee then showed Paredes a yellow card.

The latest flashpoint has revived attention on Paredes’ conduct, coming after Vincic’s apparent request for Messi to intervene during the World Cup final. Although the footage shows the referee attempting to manage the situation before it escalated, Paredes remained on the field and later became one of the central figures in the post-match disorder.

His return to domestic football has now produced another disciplinary incident, with the yellow card against Newell’s Old Boys adding to the scrutiny surrounding the Boca Juniors player.