Paredes Hints at Argentina Exit Following Messi Retirement and FIFA Ban

​Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has cast serious doubt over his international future, admitting that continuing his career with the Albiceleste will be “difficult” in the wake of Lionel Messi’s international retirement and a heavy 10-match suspension.

​The 32-year-old playmaker finds himself at a major crossroads following the fallout from a chaotic post-match brawl at the conclusion of the World Cup final against Spain. Paredes was handed a 10-game ban by FIFA and a $90,000 fine after being judged central to the ugly melee, which erupted after Spain secured a 1-0 extra-time victory. While calling the punishment excessive and expressing hope that legal appeals might reduce the sanction, Paredes conceded that the cumulative emotional and professional toll has left him contemplating walking away from the national team setup.

​Compounding his uncertainty is the departure of talismanic captain Lionel Messi, who officially confirmed his retirement from international football. Messi’s exit closes an illustrious 21-year chapter for the country’s record appearance-maker and all-time leading scorer, leaving a massive void both on and off the pitch.

​Reflecting on Messi’s exit, Paredes noted that the dressing room simply will not be the same without their long-time leader. Though the midfielder plans to sit down with head coach Lionel Scaloni to discuss his options before making a final decision, the combination of a lengthy disciplinary exile and the end of the Messi era signals the potential end of an era for another core member of Argentina’s generation of champions.

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​Paredes hits out at FIFA ban

​This video features a news report breaking down Leandro Paredes receiving his long suspension from FIFA following the aftermath of the World Cup final.