Leandro Paredes may quit Argentina duty after suspension, Messi retirement

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has admitted his international career could be over due to his 10-game ban and the retirement of longtime teammate Lionel Messi.

Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, Aug. 31 , ending an international career that spanned more than two decades.

The legendary forward led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where it fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time.

Paredes sparked an ugly brawl after the full-time whistle of the final, as he violently struck Spain's Eric Garcia with an open hand to the throat.

FIFA handed Paredes a 10-game suspension and $90,000 fine for his role in the melee. The midfielder's punishment was just one of many, with several other players also sanctioned.

Speaking to reporters this week, Paredes admitted that he may have played his last game for the national team.

"It's going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team," the 32-year-old said. "Because of the suspension as well, because of Leo's decision. It's going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before.

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

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Paredes has been part of Argentina's setup for nearly a decade, winning the Copa America twice as well as the World Cup in 2022.

The midfielder now plays for Boca Juniors in Argentina after previously playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Roma, among other European teams.