Paredes puts question mark over Argentina future
September 2, 2026 06:25
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who plays for Boca Juniors, has said it will be "difficult" for him to continue with the national team after receiving a 10-match suspension from FIFA. The ban followed an on-pitch confrontation after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, in which Paredes grabbed Spain's Eric García by the throat, wrestled Gavi to the ground and appeared to strike him in the face.
Paredes linked the suspension and the recent retirement of Lionel Messi as factors that make continuing with Argentina hard. He told reporters he has not yet discussed his international future with coach Lionel Scaloni but that they will talk and he will decide.
KEY CONTEXT
- The suspension relates to incidents immediately after the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain.
- Paredes is 32 and represents Boca Juniors at club level.
- Lionel Messi, 39, has announced his retirement from international football, saying he had "nothing left to give". Messi captained Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022 and finished his Argentina career with 125 goals in 207 appearances, becoming his country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
- Paredes said he and Messi had spoken in the final days of the tournament about the likelihood it would be Messi's last match.
WHY IT MATTERS
Paredes’ comments, combined with a lengthy FIFA suspension and Messi’s exit from the national team, create uncertainty over Argentina’s squad continuity in midfield. The situation puts an experienced international into doubt at a time when the national side faces the task of rebuilding after a World Cup final defeat and the departure of its long-time captain.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether and when Paredes meets with coach Lionel Scaloni and what decision he reaches about his international future.
- Any formal steps from Paredes or Argentina regarding the 10-match ban (the source does not report an appeal or other action).
- How Argentina plan to adjust midfield personnel following Messi’s retirement and the suspension.
KEY FACTS
- Paredes received a 10-match FIFA suspension for his role in the post-final confrontation.
- The incident involved Eric García and Gavi after Argentina's 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
- Paredes is 32 and plays for Boca Juniors.
- He has not yet discussed his international future with coach Lionel Scaloni.
- Messi, 39, has retired from international football with 125 goals in 207 appearances.