Leandro Paredes Weighs Argentina Future After 10-Match Ban

Leandro Paredes has cast doubt on whether he will continue playing for Argentina, with a 10-match international suspension and Lionel Messi’s departure adding to the uncertainty around his future. EFE reported that the Boca Juniors midfielder addressed the issue on Tuesday at the club’s training ground, but stopped short of announcing a final decision.

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Paredes said it would be difficult for him to carry on after everything that has happened. The 32-year-old identified the suspension and Messi’s decision to leave the national team as factors he must consider. He also said he has not yet spoken with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and intends to do so before settling his future.

The suspension was imposed for Paredes’ role in the incidents that followed Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain. Reuters reported that the midfielder received a 10-match ban after the post-match brawl. The length of that punishment means any return to international duty would depend both on his own decision and on how the sanction is served.

Paredes had already challenged the severity of the penalty. TyC Sports reported last week that he described it as excessive and said the Argentine Football Association would appeal in an effort to reduce it. The same report said the suspension can be served in eligible international friendlies, although the outcome of any appeal remains unresolved.

Messi’s exit has also changed the calculation for a player who was part of Argentina’s recent trophy-winning cycle. According to EFE, Paredes said Messi had been the group’s leader and that maintaining the same standards and collective dynamic without him would be difficult. Paredes was part of the squads that won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and another Copa America title in 2024.

For now, Paredes remains available to Boca while his international situation is unsettled. His comments leave open several possible outcomes: continuing after the ban, returning if the appeal shortens it, or ending his Argentina career. The next decisive step is expected to be his conversation with Scaloni, and neither Paredes nor the coach has publicly confirmed what the decision will be.