Paredes Questions Argentina Future After World Cup Final Ban

Leandro Paredes has cast fresh doubt over his Argentina future, conceding it will be "difficult" to continue after receiving a 10-match international ban. The suspension stems from his involvement in an ugly post-match confrontation following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The 32-year-old was seen grabbing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground before appearing to strike him in the face.

FIFA came down hard on the Boca Juniors midfielder, handing him a lengthy suspension that rules him out of Argentina's upcoming fixtures. Paredes, who has been a key figure in Lionel Scaloni's squad, admitted the punishment weighs heavily on his decision. "It's going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team," he said. "Because of the suspension as well, because of Leo's decision. It's going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before."

The timing could hardly be worse for Argentina, coming just days after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old captain, who led the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar 2022, bowed out following the defeat to Spain, saying he had "nothing left to give." Messi retires as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances, and his absence leaves a void that Paredes may now also struggle to fill.

Paredes revealed he has yet to discuss his future with Scaloni but plans to do so soon. "We'll talk about it and see what decision I make," he added. The midfielder also paid tribute to Messi, calling his legacy eternal. "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."