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

Leandro Paredes, the Argentina midfielder, has expressed uncertainty about the team's future due to a recent 10-match suspension and Lionel Messi's decision to retire from international football. Paredes, 32, received the suspension in August following a brawl that erupted at the World Cup final after Argentina's defeat to Spain.

The incident saw him shove Spain's Gavi to the ground, resulting in three assault charges against him, while his teammate Nahuel Molina received two charges and was fined $90,000. Speaking to Argentine media, Paredes acknowledged that both the suspension and Messi's retirement would make it challenging for him to continue playing for Argentina.

He emphasized that Messi's legacy will endure due to his relentless pursuit of dreams and his remarkable achievements, even though their final conversation had forewarned him of Messi's imminent retirement.