Meknes – Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes admitted his future with the national team is uncertain following a 10-match suspension after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
Adding to his doubts, the midfielder noted that Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football has also influenced his thinking.
Paredes explained that without the legendary captain in the squad, stepping away feels like a natural point to consider his own future with the national team.
The 32-year-old was penalized for his involvement in a post-match altercation, leaving him facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and prompting him to reconsider his international career.
FIFA issued the ban in August, weeks after the heated post-match clash at the World Cup final.
The incident flared up when Paredes pushed Spanish midfielder Gavi to the ground as Spain’s bench flooded the field to celebrate their victory.
Paredes was charged with three offenses, while his teammate Nahuel Molina faced two.
Both players were fined $90,000 for their involvement in the brawl.
“It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team,” Paredes told Argentine media, according to Reuters.
“Because of the suspension as well, because of Leo’s decision … It’s going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before,” he added.
The Argentina international noted that he has not yet held formal discussions about his potential international retirement with the coaching staff.
Before finalizing his decision, the midfielder intends to sit down for a clear conversation about his role going forward: “I haven’t discussed it with the coach yet, but we’ll talk about it and see what decision I make.”
Reflecting on his longtime teammate’s departure, Paredes praised Messi’s impact on the squad and the lasting influence he leaves behind.
“Leo’s legacy will live on forever because of what he achieved, for never giving up and for showing that dreams are hard-won, pursued and, in the end, fulfilled,”
“We’d spoken in the final days of the World Cup about how the final would surely be his last match, but even so, we weren’t prepared for that because of what he means to us,” he concluded.
With Messi gone and a lengthy FIFA suspension ahead, Paredes now faces a defining moment in his Argentina career.
