Paredes says suspension, Messi’s retirement make Argentina’s future uncertain

Leandro Paredes, the Argentine midfielder, has expressed his concern over the future of the national team following his 10-match suspension and Lionel Messi's retirement announcement. The 32-year-old Paredes received the suspension in August, which stemmed from an altercation at the end of the World Cup final against Spain. During the match, Paredes shoved Spain's Gavi to the ground, leading to three assault charges against him, alongside a fine of US$90,000.

His teammate Nahuel Molina also faced charges for the incident and was fined the same amount. Paredes admitted that the suspension, combined with Messi's decision to retire, makes it challenging for him to continue playing for Argentina. He stated, "It's going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team because of the suspension as well, because of Leo's decision...

It's going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before." While acknowledging Messi's immense legacy, Paredes also highlighted the impact of the player's absence on the team. He said, "Leo's legacy will live on forever because of what he achieved, for never giving up and for showing that dreams are hard-won, pursued, and, in the end, fulfilled...

We'd spoken in the final days of the World Cup about how the final would surely be his last match, but even so, we weren't prepared for that because of what he means to us."