• Published2 September 2026

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes says it is going to be "difficult" for him to continue playing for his country in the wake of his 10-match international ban.

Paredes received the suspension from Fifa for his part in an on-pitch confrontation following Argentina's 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

The 32-year-old grabbed Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled Gavi to the ground, before appearing to strike the latter in the face.

Paredes also suggested Argentina legend Lionel Messi retiring from international football could play a part in his decision.

"It's going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team," said Boca Juniors player Paredes.

"Because of the suspension as well, because of 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."

• Argentina's Paredes banned for 10 games

  • Messi retires from Argentina duty with 'nothing left to give'

    Messi, 39, recently announced his retirement from international football, saying he had "nothing left to give" having "given it my all".

    He captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 but could not repeat the feat against Spain in his final game for his country.

    Messi scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina to become his country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

    "Leo's legacy will live on forever because of what he achieved, for never giving up and for showing that dreams are hard-won, pursued and, in the end, fulfilled," Paredes added.

    "We'd spoken in the final days of the World Cup about how the final would surely be his last match, but even so, we weren't prepared for that because of what he means to us."

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