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Leandro Paredes questions Argentina future after Messi retirement and FIFA ban
Leandro Paredes has expressed uncertainty regarding his future with the Argentina national team following the retirement of Lionel Messi and a significant disciplinary sanction from FIFA. The 32-year-old midfielder received a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine for his involvement in a post-match brawl during the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
Paredes indicated that both the suspension and Messi's departure from the squad make it difficult for the team to continue functioning as it has in the past. He noted that the loss of Messi's leadership and presence would create a major void. While he has not yet reached a final decision, Paredes intends to discuss his options with Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is reportedly working to appeal the FIFA ruling in an attempt to reduce the number of matches Paredes must serve. Messi's retirement, announced via Instagram, has triggered widespread tributes across the football world, including a planned minute of applause during domestic matches in Argentina.
Entities
Argentina national football team · Argentina national team · FIFA · Leandro Paredes · Lionel Messi · Lionel Scaloni · Spain national football team
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] The suspension resulted from a post-match brawl following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. tob.news · www.saladeprensa.net · www.medcom.id · mediaindonesia.com · www.aljazeera.com · +5 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Paredes plans to discuss his future with Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. lagacetaonline.com.ar · tob.news · www.foxdeportes.com · www.aftenposten.no · telegraph.bg · +4 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Paredes was involved a physical altercation with Spanish players Eric Garcia and Gavi. tob.news · www.saladeprensa.net · www.medcom.id · mediaindonesia.com · www.aljazeera.com · +2 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] FIFA issued Leandro Paredes a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine. tob.news · www.saladeprensa.net · gong.bg · www.medcom.id · mediaindonesia.com · +8 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Leandro Paredes expressed uncertainty regarding his future with the Argentina national team. futbol.gt · lagacetaonline.com.ar · tob.news · www.saladeprensa.net · lacritica.com.ar · +7 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Paredes cited Messi's departure as a factor that would make it difficult for the team to function as before. lagacetaonline.com.ar · tob.news · www.foxdeportes.com · gong.bg · mediaindonesia.com · +5 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team via Instagram. futbol.gt · lagacetaonline.com.ar · tob.news · www.saladeprensa.net · www.aftenposten.no · +6 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Paredes intends to appeal the FIFA suspension to reduce the number of matches he must serve. www.saladeprensa.net · www.medcom.id · telegraph.bg