Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Leandro Paredes Weighs Argentina Future After Ban, Messi Retirement
Leandro Paredes is a football player for Argentina.
He received a 10-match suspension after a fight following a World Cup final against Spain.
Paredes shoved Spain’s Gavi during the incident.
He and teammate Nahuel Molina also faced assault charges and were each fined $90,000.
Paredes said the suspension makes staying with Argentina harder.
He also said Messi’s retirement will change the team.
Paredes has not yet spoken with coach Lionel Scaloni about his future.
He plans to discuss it with the coach before deciding what to do.
Leandro Paredes said continuing with Argentina will be difficult after receiving a 10-match suspension.
The suspension followed a post-match brawl after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.
Paredes was accused of shoving Spain midfielder Gavi as substitutes entered the pitch to celebrate.
Paredes faced three assault charges, while teammate Nahuel Molina faced two; both were fined $90,000.
Paredes said Lionel Messi’s international retirement would also influence his decision about remaining with Argentina.
- Who
- Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, teammate Nahuel Molina, Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni are central to the report.
- What
- Paredes is reconsidering his Argentina future after a 10-match suspension and Messi’s international retirement.
- When
- The suspension was issued in August, and Paredes made his comments on Tuesday.
- Where
- The altercation occurred after the World Cup final against Spain; Paredes spoke to Argentine media.
- Why
- Paredes said the suspension and Messi’s departure would make it difficult for the national team to continue as before.
- Player
- Leandro Paredes
- Suspension
- 10 matches
- Incident
- Post-match brawl after the World Cup final defeat by Spain
- Paredes charges
- Three assault charges
- Molina charges
- Two assault charges
- Fine
- Paredes and Nahuel Molina were each fined $90,000
- Next step
- Paredes plans to discuss his future with coach Lionel Scaloni
