Paredes casts doubt on his future with Argentina national team

Leandro Paredes, captain of Boca Juniors, has cast doubt on his continued involvement with the Argentine national team following their second-place finish in the 2026 World Cup. Paredes, a key player in Boca's Copa Sudamericana victory over O'Higgins, spoke after the match at La Bombonera, raising concerns among Argentine fans about his future.

"I think it will be for many to think about a decision whether to continue or not. It was a beautiful, spectacular process, we achieved important things. It will be very difficult to maintain this level and for the group to continue functioning this way, and we will have to talk with the coach and put many things on the scale as well," the 32-year-old midfielder explained. He further stated, "I don't know if I'm ready to continue in the national team."

"It's a process, we have to digest it, we have to think about it, we shouldn't make hasty decisions, but surely many things need to be considered," he added. Paredes also conceded that the Spanish team was superior in the title match, calling them "just winners of the World Cup." He concluded by saying, "We have to enjoy what we did in these eight years. It will be very difficult to continue at this level."