Paredes is considering retiring from the national team partly due to his 10-match ban. Additionally, Messi's decision influences him. He plans to speak with coach Lionel Scaloni before making a final decision.

"It will be very difficult for me to continue with the national team, partly because of the suspension and partly because of Leo's decision," the 32-year-old midfielder stated.

Forward Lionel Messi, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, and Leandro Paredes (from right) during an Argentina national team training session in New York, New Jersey on 18/7, one day before the 2026 World Cup final. Photo: *AP*.

Paredes has been one of Argentina's best players for nearly a decade. With a strong presence as a central midfielder, he contributed to victories in the Copa America 2021 and 2024, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2022 Super Cup Intercontinental. He was also one of four Argentina players to successfully convert a penalty in the 2022 World Cup final shootout.

The 2026 World Cup was also a good tournament for Paredes. He played seven of eight matches, achieving a 93% passing accuracy, creating four chances, and helping the team reach the final for the second consecutive time. However, after a 0-1 loss to Spain, Paredes was involved in an altercation with several players, becoming a villain in the eyes of the football community. He faced three assault charges, was fined 90,000 USD, and received a 10-match international ban.

On 31/8, Messi announced his retirement from the national team after 21 years. The 39-year-old forward concluded his international career with every possible title, including the four trophies won with Paredes, the 2005 U20 World Cup with the youth team, and an Olympic gold medal in 2008 with the U23+3 team.

According to Paredes, Messi's football legacy will live on due to his achievements, his never-give-up spirit, and his embodiment of the effort to turn dreams into reality. The 32-year-old midfielder also noted that during the final days of the 2026 World Cup, every team member understood that the final would be Messi's last international match.

"Thank you for everything," Paredes wrote in tribute. "You will always be that way. Be the greatest of all. We love you, captain."

Messi is the second Argentina player to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. Four days after the final, 38-year-old center-back Nicolas Otamendi was the first to announce the end of his 17-year career.

Argentina is expected to play friendly matches against Mexico and the United States in September, before four more games in October and November. Coach Scaloni will announce the squad in mid-month.

Thanh Quy (via X, Daily Mail)