Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has admitted that Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football and his own 10-match suspension have made him uncertain about continuing with the national team.
Paredes, 32, spoke about his international future after Messi announced his retirement from Argentina duty following the team’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
The midfielder said the combination of Messi’s departure and his lengthy suspension had made it difficult for him to envisage continuing with the national side as before.
“It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team,” Paredes told Argentine media.
He added that both his suspension and Messi’s decision had changed the situation significantly and would make his eventual decision a difficult one.
Paredes was handed a 10-match suspension for his involvement in the post-match confrontation that followed Argentina’s World Cup final defeat. He was sanctioned after shoving Spain midfielder Gavi as Spain’s substitutes entered the pitch to celebrate their victory.
Argentina teammate Nahuel Molina was also punished over the incident, with both players receiving fines in addition to their suspensions.
Paredes said he had not yet discussed his international future with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, but expected the two to hold talks before he makes a final decision.
“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 bring his Argentina career to an end.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement two days before Paredes spoke to reporters, saying he believed it was the right time to close his international chapter.
Paredes said the departure of Argentina’s captain would be deeply felt within the squad, describing Messi’s contribution and legacy as something that would remain with the national team for years.
He said the players had already discussed the possibility that the 2026 World Cup final could be Messi’s final international appearance, but admitted that they were still emotionally unprepared for his retirement.
Paredes praised Messi for his achievements and determination, saying the veteran forward had demonstrated that dreams could be achieved through persistence and sacrifice.
Messi’s retirement marks the end of another chapter in an international career that included Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and a second consecutive appearance in the World Cup final in 2026.
For Paredes, however, the decision on whether to continue with Argentina will depend partly on his discussions with Scaloni and the impact of his suspension.
With Messi no longer available and Paredes facing a lengthy ban, Argentina could enter a new phase as the national team begins rebuilding around a younger generation of players.
