By Dorcas Francis Koji
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has admitted that his future with the national team is uncertain following a 10-match suspension imposed by FIFA after the 2026 World Cup final.
The 32-year-old was sanctioned for his involvement in a post-match confrontation with Spain players after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat in the final.
Paredes, who now plays for Boca Juniors, was involved in a heated exchange with Spain defender Eric Garcia before wrestling Gavi to the ground. He also appeared to strike the Barcelona midfielder in the face during the confrontation.
The FIFA suspension has now left Paredes questioning whether he can continue his international career in the same way.
“It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team,” Paredes said, according to BBC Sport.
The midfielder also pointed to Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football as another factor that could affect his future with Argentina.
“Because of the suspension as well as Leo’s decision, it’s going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before,” Paredes said.
Paredes revealed that he has yet to discuss his future with Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, but expects the issue to be addressed in the coming period.
“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’s Departure Adds to Uncertainty
Paredes’ uncertainty comes shortly after Messi confirmed his decision to end his Argentina career.
The 39-year-old captain recently announced his retirement from international football, saying he had “nothing left to give” after years of giving everything for his country.
Messi leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.
The forward captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and leaves the national team as its record goalscorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances.
Although Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final, Messi was unable to finish his international career with another world title after Spain secured a 1-0 victory.
Paredes paid tribute to his long-time international team-mate, praising Messi’s achievements, perseverance and determination to fulfil his dreams.
The midfielder revealed that Argentina’s players had discussed during the final stages of the tournament that the World Cup final was likely to be Messi’s final appearance for the national team.
However, knowing that the moment was approaching did not make it easier for the squad to accept.
Paredes admitted that the players were still not fully prepared for the reality of losing the man who had played such a central role in Argentina’s success over the years.
With Messi now stepping away and Paredes facing a lengthy FIFA suspension, Argentina could enter a new era with major changes to the squad that carried the country to the 2022 World Cup title and the 2026 final.
For Paredes, the next decision could determine whether his international career continues after the suspension — or whether his own chapter with Argentina is also approaching its end.
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