Paredes is also considering saying goodbye to Argentina

Leandro Paredes has cast doubt on whether he will carry on with Argentina after Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football. The 32-year-old Boca Juniors captain said Messi’s decision, plus his own 10-match ban, has made it hard for him to picture continuing as before.

Messi’s exit changes the picture

Paredes spoke about Messi’s legacy after the Argentina captain stepped away from the national side, saying his impact would “last forever” because of the example he set and the way he kept pushing through difficulties.

He also said Messi’s farewell did not come as a total shock inside the squad. Players had discussed the possibility during the closing days of the 2026 World Cup, and understood the final against Spain could have been Messi’s last game for Argentina.

Paredes waits to speak with Scaloni

Paredes did not make a final decision on his own international future. He said he still needs to talk to head coach Lionel Scaloni before deciding whether to continue.

“Continuing with the national team will be difficult,” he said, pointing to his suspension, Messi’s departure and the wider change in circumstances around the squad.