Paredes leaves his continuity with Argentina in suspense: 'I don't know if I'm ready to continue'

Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has cast doubt on his continued participation with the national team, admitting he needs time to process the World Cup final defeat and decide his future. The 32-year-old expressed that the loss was a significant blow, making it difficult to move past the experience despite the team achieving important milestones during the cycle.

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I don't know if I'm ready to continue. It's a process that needs to be digested and thought about.

"I don't know if I'm ready to continue. It's a process that needs to be digested and thought about," Paredes told ESPN after Boca Juniors' Copa Sudamericana match. He described the recent cycle as "beautiful" and "spectacular," but emphasized that losing the World Cup final will hurt for a long time, as they were once again close to victory.

Paredes indicated that he is not the only player contemplating his future, suggesting that several key figures will need to discuss their decisions with the coach. "For many, it will be a moment to decide whether to continue. It was a beautiful, spectacular process, we achieved important things. It will be very difficult to maintain this level, for the group to keep functioning this way. We have to weigh many things, make decisions calmly," he stated.

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It will be very difficult to maintain this level, for the group to keep functioning this way. We have to weigh many things, make decisions calmly.

Despite the disappointment, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Roma player defended the team's journey, highlighting the strong connection with the fans. "I think we had a World Cup where the people saw themselves reflected in us, and that is very gratifying. On that side, I am happy," he said. Paredes also dismissed speculation surrounding the final, conceding that Spain was the superior team and deserved the win.

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I think we had a World Cup where the people saw themselves reflected in us, and that is very gratifying. On that side, I am happy.

On a personal note, Paredes revealed he played a significant portion of the tournament with a fractured rib, sustained after the match against Egypt. He managed the injury with medical treatment and anti-inflammatories.

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Spain was superior in the final, it is a just winner.