Why is Leandro Paredes benched for Argentina vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

Leandro Paredes has made four starts in the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Argentina.

Spain are set to face Argentina in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 later tonight. Both sides are just one win away from scripting history and adding another chapter of glory to their respective history books.

One player who has been key to La Albiceleste’s deep run in the World Cup was Leandro Paredes. After being on the bench for the two initial games, the midfielder solidified his place as a starter under Lionel Scaloni. He has made four starts for the defending champions and has been pivotal, making 23 defensive contributions while completing 495 accurate passes.

However, the Boca Juniors midfielder is not in the starting line-up for the third-place game, leaving some fans wondering about the reason for the 32-year-old midfielder’s absence.

Also Read: Who will hand out FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy?

Why is Leandro Paredes not starting against Spain?

One of the most crucial players in the Argentine midfield, Leandro Paredes, has been benched for the La Albiceleste’s final clash against Spain at MetLife Stadium. The decision has come as a shocker for football fans; however, one good thing that has emerged is that his omission from the playing XI is solely due to tactics.

Ahead of the summit clash against La Roja, Lionel Scaloni has made three changes in the playing XI. And courtesy of one such change, Nicolas Gonzalez has replaced Leandro Paredes in the starting line-up. There were injury woes around Paredes after he came off early during the defending champions’ clash against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

However, according to reports, he’s fully fit and could likely come on as a substitute in the later part of the game against Luis de la Fuente’s side. Scaloni has fielded his lineup in line with Spain’s style of play and has opted for greater mobility, pressing ability, and attacking energy.

La Albiceleste would look forward to matching La Roja’s possession-based approach in the final. Meanwhile, after coming off the bench against England in the semi-final, Rodrigo de Paul has also returned to the playing XI. Gonzalo Montiel is also coming in at right back instead of Nahuel Molina.

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