FIFA ban, Messi retirement complicate my Argentina career — Paredes

Leandro Paredes says his Argentina career may not continue as it did before, with a 10-match FIFA suspension and Lionel Messi’s retirement both weighing on his decision.

FIFA imposed the ban after Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Paredes, who plays for Boca Juniors, grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, wrestled Gavi to the ground and appeared to strike the midfielder in the face.

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Because of the suspension as well as Leo’s decision, it’s going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before.

“Because of the suspension as well as Leo’s decision, it’s going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before,” Paredes said. He added that he had not yet spoken with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, but that the two would discuss the matter before he decides.

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I haven’t discussed it with the coach, Lionel Scaloni, yet, but we’ll talk about it and see what decision I make.

Messi recently announced his retirement from international football, saying he had “nothing left to give” after giving everything for his country. He captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar and ended his international career as the team’s leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.

Paredes praised Messi’s achievements, perseverance and determination to fulfil his dreams. Argentina’s players had discussed during the final days of the tournament that the final could be Messi’s last match for the national team, he said, but the squad was still unprepared for losing a player so central to the team’s success.

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Nothing left to give