Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has expressed significant uncertainty regarding his continued involvement with the national football team. His comments come in the wake of a substantial 10-game suspension imposed by FIFA and the recent announcement of iconic captain Lionel Messi’s retirement from international duty, creating a complex and challenging situation for the 32-year-old.
Paredes’ recent disciplinary troubles stem from an incident during an international match against Spain, which Argentina ultimately lost 1-0, on July 19th. The midfielder received a lengthy 10-game ban from FIFA in early August for what was officially described as violent conduct on the field. Specifically, Paredes was penalized for an altercation involving Spanish midfielder Gavi. This incident occurred in a fixture that was part of the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In addition to the extensive suspension, Paredes, who currently plays for AS Roma, and his national teammate Nahuel Molina, were both issued significant fines totaling approximately $90,000 for their involvement in on-field misconduct during the same controversial match.
Adding another layer of complexity to Paredes’ situation is the recent retirement of legendary captain Lionel Messi. Messi, who has been a cornerstone and inspirational leader for the Argentine national team for two decades, recently announced his departure from international football. This decision has sent ripples through the squad and among fans globally, marking the poignant end of an era for Argentine football. For a player like Paredes, who has played alongside Messi throughout much of his international career, this leadership void and the team’s evolving dynamics contribute heavily to his apprehension about continuing his own international journey.
Paredes openly shared his concerns with Argentine media, stating, “It is proving to be incredibly difficult for me to envision continuing with the national team at this point. The combination of my suspension and the magnitude of Messi’s decision has created an immense challenge for me right now, especially to perform at the level I have grown accustomed to.” He further elaborated, “I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with the coach yet, but that conversation is crucial, and any definitive decision regarding my future will be made after we discuss it.” These two significant factors – his lengthy ban and the void left by Messi – are the primary reasons cited by Paredes for the deep uncertainty now clouding his distinguished international career.
