Arabic version: باريديس يشكك في مستقبله مع الأرجنتين بعد إيقاف فيفا

According to BBC News, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes says it will be “difficult” to continue playing for his country following a 10-match international ban from Fifa. The 32-year-old Boca Juniors player also said Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football could influence his decision.

Paredes was suspended for his involvement in an on-pitch confrontation after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, wrestled Gavi to the ground and appeared to strike Gavi in the face.

“It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team,” Paredes 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.” He said he had not yet discussed the situation with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, adding that they would talk before he decided what to do.

Messi, 39, recently announced his retirement from Argentina duty, saying he had “nothing left to give” after having “given it my all”. He captained Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar in 2022, but Argentina were unable to repeat that achievement against Spain in his final international match.

Paredes paid tribute to Messi’s legacy, citing what he achieved, his persistence and his example of pursuing dreams. He said the Argentina squad had spoken in the final days of the World Cup about the possibility that the final would be Messi’s last game, but were still unprepared for his departure because of what he meant to the team.