FIFA ban, Messi retirement complicate my Argentina career — Paredes

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has expressed uncertainty about his future with the national team due to a 10-match suspension imposed by FIFA and Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. The 32-year-old was banned for his involvement in a confrontation with Spain players after Argentina's 1-0 defeat in the 2026 World Cup final.

During the altercation, Paredes grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, wrestled Gavi to the ground, and appeared to strike the midfielder in the face. The suspension has made it challenging for him to continue his international career, as he stated. Furthermore, Paredes cited Messi's retirement as another factor that could influence his decision, saying, "It's going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before."

Messi, who announced his retirement from Argentina duty recently, is widely regarded as the national team's record goalscorer and most-capped player. Paredes paid tribute to Messi, acknowledging his legacy and the significant role the player has played in Argentina's success. The midfielder also mentioned that Argentina's players had discussed the possibility of Messi's retirement during the final days of the World Cup, but the squad was not yet prepared for the reality of losing such a crucial player.