Paredes hints at Argentina retirement after FIFA hands him 10-game ban for Gavi brawl

Leandro Paredes has raised the prospect of retiring from international football after FIFA handed the Boca Juniors midfielder a 10-match ban for his conduct following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Paredes shoved Spain midfielder Gavi to the floor in the aftermath of the match and was subsequently charged with three counts of assault by FIFA. Following an investigation, the governing body confirmed the 10-game suspension, prompting Paredes to question whether he has any future with the national side.

“It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team,” Paredes said. “Because of the suspension as well, because of Leo’s decision… It’s going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before. I haven’t discussed it with the coach yet, but we’ll talk about it and see what decision I make.”

The 32-year-old, who has earned 84 caps for Argentina since his debut in 2017, also pushed back on the severity of the punishment. “That seems excessive to me,” he said. “It is also strange that Gavi only received a suspension, even though he struck me in the chest. But well, that’s how it is now. We now have to appeal against the sanction. For me, it is excessive and I think it can be reduced.”

Paredes also addressed the retirement of Lionel Messi, whose decision to step away from international duty after the World Cup final has reshaped Argentina’s squad outlook. “Leo’s legacy will live on forever because of what he achieved, for never giving up and for showing that dreams are hard-won, pursued and, in the end, fulfilled,” Paredes said. “We’d spoken in the final days of the World Cup about how the final would surely be his last match, but even so, we weren’t prepared for that because of what he means to us.”

Messi ends his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, having won the World Cup in Qatar, two Copa America titles, and eight Ballon d’Or awards across his career.