FIFA ban, Messi retirement complicate my Argentina career — Paredes

Leandro Paredes, the Argentina midfielder, has expressed uncertainty about his future with the national team due to a 10-match suspension from FIFA and Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. During Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Paredes was involved in a confrontation with Spain players, grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground.

The 32-year-old Boca Juniors player admitted that the suspension has made it difficult for him to continue his international career as before. Paredes also noted that Messi's decision to retire from international football adds to the challenges he faces. He stated, "Because of the suspension as well as Leo's decision, it's going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before."

The Argentina legend Lionel Messi, currently 39 years old, recently announced his retirement from Argentina duty, citing that he had "nothing left to give" after giving everything for his country. Messi, Argentina's record goalscorer and most-capped player, captained the team to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022 but was unable to secure another title in his final international appearance against Spain.