Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes is reconsidering his international future after FIFA handed him a 10-match suspension for his involvement in the post-match confrontation that followed the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain. The 32-year-old said continuing with Argentina would now be difficult, pointing to both the lengthy suspension and Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football as factors in his thinking. Paredes has, however, not announced his retirement from the national team. FIFA imposed the ban after Paredes was involved in the altercation with Spain players following Argentina’s loss in the World Cup final. He was also fined $90,000, while Argentina teammate Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and a similar fine. The disciplinary action has left Paredes facing a lengthy absence from international matches at a time when Argentina is beginning a new phase following the World Cup.
Paredes said the suspension has made his position with the national team difficult to assess. Rather than confirming that he will walk away, the midfielder indicated that he needs to consider whether continuing to represent Argentina makes sense under the circumstances. He is also expected to discuss the matter with head coach Lionel Scaloni before making a decision about his future with the team. The suspension comes as Argentina prepares to move forward without several of the figures who defined its recent period of success. For Paredes, the situation is particularly significant because the 10-match ban could keep him out of a substantial portion of Argentina’s upcoming international programme, depending on how the suspension is served.
Messi’s retirement has also played a major part in Paredes’ thinking. The former Argentina captain ended his international career after the World Cup, closing a 21-year spell with the national team.
His departure marks the end of an era in which Argentina won the 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América. Paredes was part of the squad during that successful period and has described Messi’s influence on the team as significant. Reports indicate that Paredes had previously discussed the possibility that the 2026 World Cup final could be Messi’s final match for Argentina. Messi subsequently confirmed his decision to leave international football, adding another emotional dimension to Paredes’ own deliberations.
The ban means Paredes’ return to the Argentina squad will depend not only on his own decision to continue but also on when and how the suspension is completed.
Paredes’ uncertainty comes at a significant moment for Argentina. The national team is now transitioning from a generation that delivered several major trophies, with Messi’s retirement leaving Scaloni to reshape the squad around a new group of players. Paredes remains an experienced member of the team, having been part of Argentina’s successful run under Scaloni. For now, there is no confirmed retirement announcement from Paredes. His next step is expected to involve discussions with Scaloni before he makes a final decision on whether to continue his international career.
The midfielder’s position therefore remains open, with the FIFA suspension and Messi’s absence leaving one of Argentina’s experienced players weighing whether there is still a place for him in the national team’s next chapter.