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Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has admitted that his future with the national team is uncertain following his 10-match FIFA suspension and Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.
Paredes was handed the suspension after an altercation with Spain players following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat in the 2026 World Cup final.
The 32-year-old Boca Juniors midfielder was involved in a confrontation with Spain defender Eric Garcia and midfielder Gavi during the post-match scenes.
Speaking about his international future, Paredes said the suspension and Messi’s departure could make it difficult for him to continue with Argentina as before.
“Because of the suspension as well as Leo’s decision, it’s going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before,” he said.
Paredes revealed that he had not yet discussed the matter with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, but said they would meet to determine the next step.
“I haven’t discussed it with the coach, Lionel Scaloni, yet, but we’ll talk about it and see what decision I make,” he added.
Messi, 39, recently announced his retirement from Argentina duty after helping the country win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and reach the 2026 final.
The forward leaves international football as Argentina’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
Paredes said Messi’s influence on the national team would endure, praising his achievements, perseverance and determination. He added that Argentina’s players had already discussed during the World Cup that the final could be Messi’s last appearance for the country.
However, he acknowledged that the squad remained unprepared for the reality of losing the player who had been central to Argentina’s success for more than a decade.
