Messi's Last Game? Paredes Says Argentina Captain Decided to Retire After World Cup Final Loss

Leandro Paredes, a key player in Argentina's World Cup campaign, acknowledged Spain's superiority in the final match, which concluded with a 1-0 victory for Spain. "Spain was better than us in the final. They are the deserved world champions," Paredes stated after returning to play for Boca Juniors.

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Spain was better than us in the final. They are the deserved world champions.

Paredes also shared that captain Lionel Messi had made the decision for the final to be his last game with the national team. "Messi decided that this was his last match for the national team. I hope he changes his mind and continues to play, but it is his decision," Paredes said, adding that whatever makes Messi happy will make the team happy.

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Messi decided that this was his last match for the national team. I hope he changes his mind and continues to play, but it is his decision.

The midfielder, who received a yellow card for a hard foul in the final and was involved in a post-match scuffle, dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding the match. "We don't pay attention to such stories. If I listened to everything said before, during, and after the World Cup, I would go crazy," he stated. He reflected on Argentina's strong tournament performance and the eight-year cycle of success, noting that the loss still stings due to how close they were to victory.

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We don't pay attention to such stories. If I listened to everything said before, during, and after the World Cup, I would go crazy.

Despite the disappointment, Paredes believes Argentina can be proud of their performance. "It will take time to overcome what happened. We were very close, that's why this loss hurts. However, it's not easy to maintain such a high level for so long and achieve everything we have," he said. He also mentioned that he has not yet decided on his own international future.

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It will take time to overcome what happened. We were very close, that's why this loss hurts. However, it's not easy to maintain such a high level for so long and achieve everything we have.