Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has cast doubt on his international future after receiving a 10-match ban from Fifa for his role in a brawl at the end of the 2026 World Cup final. The Boca Juniors player was sanctioned for grabbing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground, appearing to strike him, following Argentina's 1-0 defeat by Spain. Paredes said the suspension, combined with Lionel Messi's retirement from the national team, would make it "difficult" to carry on as before.

Paredes, 32, said he has not yet discussed his future with head coach Lionel Scaloni but will do so before deciding. He also paid tribute to Messi, 39, who recently retired from international duty saying he had "nothing left to give" after finishing as Argentina's all-time top scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances; Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 but could not repeat that success in his final match against Spain.