My Argentina future uncertain after Lionel Messi retirement and suspension - Leandro Paredes hints at retirement


‎Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has said it will be difficult to keep playing ​for Argentina after receiving a 10-match suspension ‌for his role in a brawl following ​the World Cup final defeat ⁠by Spain.




‎The 32-year-old also noted that Lionel Messi’s international retirement was another reason he would have to ‌consider his future with the national team.



‎Paredes received the suspension in ‌August, weeks after an altercation erupted ‌at the final whistle when he shoved ⁠Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground as the champion’s substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate.



‎Paredes faced three ​assault charges, while ‌teammate Nahuel Molina faced two. Both players were also fined $90,000.

‎“It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the ‌national team,” Paredes told Argentine media on ​Tuesday.

‎“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 (Lionel Scaloni) yet, but we’ll talk about it and see what decision I make.”



‎Paredes said Messi’s absence from the national team would be keenly felt.

‎“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 added.

‎“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.”

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