Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes considers retiring from national team

Heavily criticized for his violent behavior during the World Cup—particularly in the final against Spain (1-0, a.e.t.)—Leandro Paredes (32) has cast doubt on the future of his international career.

A Wave of Departures After World Cup Final Defeat

While the futures of Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni and star Lionel Messi remain uncertain, Nicolás Otamendi announced his international retirement on Thursday. He could be followed by one of the most criticized players of the tournament: Leandro Paredes.

Strongly criticized for his conduct during the competition—especially after the final against Spain—the midfielder said on Thursday that he is questioning whether to continue his journey with the Albiceleste. His comments came after he played for Boca Juniors in the Copa Sudamericana victory against O'Higgins (1-0).

"I Don't Know Yet If I'm Ready to Continue"

"For many, it will be time to decide whether to continue," the former Paris Saint-Germain player (2019–2023) told ESPN. "It was a beautiful journey. Maintaining this level—keeping the group functioning as it did—will be very difficult, and there are many factors to consider. Decisions must be made calmly. I don't know yet if I'm ready to continue. It's a process that takes time to digest and mature."

"Spain Deserves Its Victory"

The Boca Juniors player is still processing the final defeat.

"It will take time to digest what we experienced," he added. "The pain of losing the World Cup final will linger for a long time, because we came so close once again. I think we played a World Cup where people saw themselves in us, and that's very rewarding. In that sense, I'm happy."

Paredes did not revisit his outburst against Spanish players Eric García and Gavi after the loss to Spain. However, he dismissed conspiracy theories that circulated on social media following a speech by Lionel Messi in which he urged his teammates to "forget everything."

"If it's based on what I hear, I must be losing my mind," Paredes said. "Everything that was said before, during, and after the World Cup... We had a great World Cup, Spain was superior to us in..."