Paredes puts question mark over Argentina future

What the report says

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has cast doubt on his international future after receiving a 10-match ban from Fifa, according to BBC Sport Football. The punishment followed his role in an on-pitch confrontation after Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, when he was reported to have grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, wrestled Gavi to the ground and then appeared to strike him in the face.

Speaking as a Boca Juniors player, the 32-year-old said it would be difficult for him to remain with the national team because of the suspension and because of Lionel Messi’s recent retirement from Argentina duty. Paredes said he has not yet spoken to coach Lionel Scaloni about his future, but planned to do so before making a decision.

BBC Sport also noted that Messi, now 39, has ended his Argentina career after a spell in which he became the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. Paredes praised Messi’s legacy and suggested Argentina’s final underlined how significant the captain has been to the team. The remarks matter because they raise questions about the make-up of Argentina’s squad after the loss, the ban, and Messi’s departure from international football.