Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes has cast serious doubt on his future with the Argentina national team following Lionel Messi's retirement. The 32-year-old player, speaking at his club's training facility, stated that without his captain, it will be hard for everything to continue functioning the same way.
This news comes as Argentina tops their World Cup qualifying group with 9 points from three wins. The team has scored 8 goals and conceded just one, showing strong recent form with four wins and one loss in their last five matches. Their most recent result was a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final last July.
Leandro Paredes was frank when asked about his continuity. "Va a ser difícil que siga" (It will be difficult for me to continue), said the footballer. Paredes acknowledged he hasn't yet spoken with coach Lionel Scaloni but plans to do so soon to clarify his situation. The midfielder made his national team debut in mid-2017 and, although not selected for the 2018 Russia World Cup, became a fundamental pillar under Scaloni's management.
His importance grew from the 2019 Copa América onwards. Paredes was a key piece in winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and the 2024 continental championship. He also played a significant role in the 2026 World Cup campaign, where Argentina finished as runners-up. Over nine years, he has accumulated 84 international caps, with a record of five goals and seven assists. You can review the full squad history on our stats page.
One factor complicating his immediate outlook is a ten-match suspension. This ban was imposed for assaulting Spanish player Gavi after the 2026 World Cup final. This forced absence will affect his availability for Argentina's upcoming fixtures, which can be seen on the fixtures schedule. The combination of this suspension and the void left by Messi casts doubt on his continuity.
Lionel Messi's retirement has created an inflection point. Paredes himself cited the captain's words: "Que él no esté va a hacer difícil que todo siga funcionando igual" (His absence will make it difficult for everything to keep functioning the same). This sense of an ending cycle mixes with the team's current performance, as they sit first in their World Cup group standings. The challenge for Scaloni will be rebuilding a project without its historic figure and with potential departures like Paredes in midfield.
The upcoming conversation between Paredes and Scaloni, expected in the coming weeks, will be decisive. Meanwhile, the Argentina national team prepares for its next challenges with a squad that must adapt to a new era.
