Paredes Considers Argentina Retirement After World Cup Final Suspension

Leandro Paredes is weighing up international retirement after Argentina’s stormy World Cup campaign, with the Boca Juniors captain facing a lengthy suspension following the final defeat to Spain and the recent retirement of Lionel Messi.

World Cup fallout leaves Paredes considering exit

The 32-year-old midfielder has not yet made a final decision, but intends to speak with Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni about whether he will continue with La Albiceleste.

Paredes was punished after a mass confrontation at the end of Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey. He received a 10-match ban and a £66,000 fine after being found to have thrown punches and forced Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground. Three assault charges also arose from the incident.

Argentina’s football association successfully requested that FIFA allow the ban to be served in Class A friendlies as well as competitive matches. Even so, Paredes appears unwilling to remain in the set-up while serving such a significant sanction.

• Paredes is 32 and currently wears the captain’s armband for Boca Juniors.
• He has made 84 appearances for Argentina.
• His World Cup-final involvement resulted in a 10-game international suspension.
• The punishment also included a £66,000 financial penalty.
• He is facing three assault charges connected to the post-final disorder.

Messi retirement adds to uncertainty

Messi’s decision to end his own Argentina career has also played a major part in Paredes’ thinking. The midfielder believes the squad cannot simply continue unchanged after the departure of a player he regards as irreplaceable.

Paredes said remaining involved would be hard because of both his ban and Messi’s retirement. He explained that he had not yet discussed the matter with Scaloni, but expected the pair to meet before he decides his future.

He paid tribute to Messi’s lasting impact, pointing to the forward’s achievements, determination and ability to fulfil his ambitions. Paredes said the Argentina group had spoken in the closing days of the tournament about the possibility that the final would be Messi’s last match, yet were still unprepared for what his exit would mean.

A decorated Argentina career could end abruptly

Should Paredes step away, he would leave with a substantial international record. He was an important member of the Argentina side that won the World Cup four years earlier and also collected Copa America titles on two occasions.

However, the final image of his international career may be defined by the confrontation with Spain rather than those honours. The disciplinary consequences of the final have followed him back into club football.

Hostility continues at Boca Juniors

During a recent Boca Juniors match, Paredes needed riot-police protection as he went to take a corner. Newell’s Old Boys supporters threw objects in his direction, targeting him over his conduct during the international break.

With pressure building around both his domestic and international commitments, Paredes now faces talks with Scaloni that could determine whether his 84-cap Argentina career has reached its conclusion.