Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has said his future with the national team is unclear after FIFA handed him a 10-match suspension.
Paredes received the ban for his actions during a clash with Spain players after Argentina lost 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final.
The 32-year-old grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and brought down Gavi before he seemed to hit the midfielder in the face.
Paredes, who plays for Boca Juniors, mentioned that this suspension makes it hard for him to see his international career going on as before.
As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, Paredes said, “It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team.”
He also pointed out that Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football could affect his decision.
A cleaner version of the quote is: “Because of the suspension as well as 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,” Paredes added.
Messi, 39, recently announced he would no longer play for Argentina, saying he had “nothing left to give” after doing his best for his country.
The legendary forward led Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, but he could not help the team win another title in his final match against Spain.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 matches.
Paredes praised Messi, saying his legacy will live on because of his achievements, hard work, and determination to reach his dreams.
He mentioned that the players had talked during the last days of the World Cup about how the match was likely Messi’s last for the national team.
But he admitted that the team was not ready to face the reality of losing a player who had such a big part in Argentina’s success.
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