By Adegboyega Adeleye
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has admitted that Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football and his own 10-match suspension have left him uncertain about continuing with the national team.
Paredes, 32, was suspended for his role in the post-match brawl that followed Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain, while Messi announced his international retirement two days ago.
Speaking to Argentine media on Tuesday, Paredes said both developments would make it difficult for him to continue with the national team in the same way.
“It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team,” Paredes said.
“Because of the suspension as well, because of Leo’s decision … It’s going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before.”
Paredes received a 10-match suspension after shoving Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground as Spain’s substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate their World Cup final victory.
The incident led to three assault charges against Paredes, while his Argentina teammate Nahuel Molina faced two. Both players were also fined $90,000.
Paredes said he has yet to discuss his international future with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni but expects the two to have a conversation before he decides what to do.
“I haven’t discussed it with the coach (Lionel Scaloni) yet, but we’ll talk about it and see what decision I make,” he said.
The midfielder also reflected on Messi’s decision to end his Argentina career after the defeat by Spain in the World Cup final.
Paredes said Messi’s absence would be strongly felt within the national team, praising the 39-year-old for the legacy 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,” Paredes said.
The midfielder revealed that Argentina’s players had already discussed the possibility that the final would be Messi’s last international appearance, but admitted that they were still not prepared for his eventual retirement.
“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,” Paredes said.
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