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Soccer icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims he'd have been sent off for "headbutting" Leandro Paredes if he were on the field during the FIFA World Cup final, and has questioned the Spain national team following a heated victory over Argentina.
Spain overcame Argentina in extra time to win 1-0 and lift the World Cup trophy for the second time in the nation's history, and tensions flared after the game. Veteran Leandro Paredes took his anger out by grabbing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat, before wrestling Gavi to the ground.
Lionel Messi has also faced backlash for attempting to get Marc Cucurella sent off during the game, moments after teammate Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card. Argentina's style of play at the World Cup was controversial, and Ibrahimovic made his thoughts on Paredes clear.
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Argentina earned a reputation for being a hostile team to play against, with the roster embracing a warrior mentality and attempting to win at all costs. While this usually occurred during the game, Paredes lashed out after Spain won the World Cup, and FIFA is investigating.
Paredes is a known offender on the field, with over 120 yellow cards across his professional career for club and country. Ibrahimovic was also no stranger to fiery moments during his decorated career, accumulating 79 yellow cards and being sent off 16 times.
Still, Ibrahimovic claimed that Paredes' postgame actions crossed the line, and admits it would have had a different ending if he were on the pitch. "Paredes can be happy there was no player like me on the pitch," Ibrahimovic said on FOX Sports.
"If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It is unprofessional behavior from him.
"I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing? They are just watching another player hit their team-mate."
Ibrahimovic made a similar vow earlier in the competition after watching a hostile clash between France and Paraguay that ended in a similar fashion. France outplayed Paraguay but only edged a 1-0 victory, though the game became physical and officials lost control.
Paraguay persistently fouled France, but despite 13 aggressive challenges, no yellow card was shown. Eventually, France found the breakthrough and progressed, but Ibrahimovic said he wouldn't have put up with it.
"It was a different challenge for them today," Ibrahimovic said. "It was more about not being provocated, to stay composed, stay calm, don't lose your balance.
"And don't fall for the tricks that they were doing. I would get four red cards in this game! And maybe send somebody to... but yes, it is what it is.
"I like to play the real game. I don't like somebody trying to provocate. But it's part of the game, and it's not part of the game."
