Leandro Paredes was the first guest on the relaunched AFA Estudio Mundial. Speaking candidly about locker room codes and his emotions as a fan, he made headlines with his remarks on the Argentina national team, Raphinha, Boca Juniors, and Juan Román Riquelme.

Raphinha’s Controversial Comments

Just days before the last South American clash between Argentina and Brazil, FC Barcelona’s Raphinha claimed Brazil would “thrash” Argentina. The comment didn’t sit well with the Albiceleste, and as AS Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes revealed, it caused a stir in the locker room.

“As soon as we saw it, we sent it to the group chat. We all got fired up. That kind of thing fuels us. We don’t like being disrespected,” he said during the interview.

Argentina’s response came without words: a dominant 4–1 win at El Monumental, World Cup qualification secured, and no public comment.

His Failed Move to Boca Juniors

Paredes also opened up about his attempt to return to Boca Juniors—his boyhood club—and shared details of how close it really was. Earlier this year, after leaving Juventus, returning to Boca was his top priority. But with Ivan Juric at the helm in Turin, the possibility began to fade.

“I did everything to come back. Even Roma told me if things stayed the same, I could look for another club. I was really close,” he admitted.

While he didn’t name anyone directly, some interpreted his remarks as subtle criticism of the club’s leadership, including Juan Román Riquelme—whom he nonetheless praised:

“Playing for Boca with Román as president… that would be a dream.”

Eventually, his situation changed. Claudio Ranieri, at a difficult point in his career, gave him a vote of confidence at Roma.

“He made me play again. He gave me strength. A coach’s trust means everything,” said Paredes, gratefully.

Though the return to Boca didn’t happen, his love for the club remains unshaken:

“Every time I talk about Boca, I get goosebumps. You have to live it to understand it.”