Paredes considers leaving Argentina: 10-match ban and Messi's shadow

When Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, I told my listeners that this was just the beginning. And now, Leandro Paredes – the silent hero of the golden generation – is standing on the brink of a similar exit. The 10-match ban following the incident in the 2026 World Cup final is not just a punishment, but the final offside trap that fate has set for him. Paredes, 32, said bluntly: "It will be very difficult for me to continue with the national team. Partly because of the ban and partly because of Leo's decision." That is not a veiled statement, but an almost official declaration. Let's look at the context. Argentina just went through an emotional 2026 World Cup. They reached the final for the second consecutive time, but lost 0-1 to Spain. In that match, Paredes got into a brawl with several opposing players, becoming the villain in the eyes of the football community. The consequences: three assault charges, a $90,000 fine, and a 10-match international ban. That is a heavy punishment, almost ending his international career for the next two years. Meanwhile, just days earlier, Messi had announced his retirement after 21 years. Nicolas Otamendi did the same. Argentina is losing its biggest pillars. But let's be fair about Paredes. He is not an ordinary player. For nearly a decade, he has been one of Argentina's best central midfielders. He played a key role in winning the 2026 and 2026 Copa America, the 2026 World Cup, and the 2026 Finalissima. He was one of four Argentine players to score in the penalty shootout in the 2026 World Cup final against France. At the 2026 World Cup, he played 7 of 8 matches, with a 93% pass accuracy, creating 4 chances. Those are world-class numbers. However, the 10-match ban is a huge shock. It not only costs him the chance to play for the national team for a long time, but also raises questions about his future. When Messi left, Paredes lost his closest teammate, the one who inspired him for years. He once said Messi was the greatest, and playing alongside him was a pride. Now, without Messi, his motivation has significantly decreased. I have followed Paredes since his early days with the national team. He is not a flashy player, but he is the "brain" of the midfield. He reads the game exceptionally well, knows how to control the tempo, and most importantly, he executes the high-pressing tactics that Scaloni built. When Paredes is on the pitch, Argentina plays with much more confidence. He is the key that unlocks attacks from the back. But let's look from another angle. Maybe Paredes should stay, accept the ban, and return after serving it. He is only 32, still capable of playing at the highest level. However, I believe his departure could be good for both sides. Argentina needs a revolution. The golden generation with Messi, Otamendi, and Paredes has reached its end. Keeping a player who is banned for 10 matches would hinder the development of young talents like Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, or Julian Alvarez. They need opportunities, they need regular playing time to grow. Moreover, the 10-match ban is a stain on Paredes' career. He was once a model player, but the brawl in the final tarnished his image. Leaving the national team could be a way to avoid controversy and focus on his club career. Sometimes, leaving is a way to protect oneself. So what does the future hold for Argentina? I predict they will go through a difficult transition period. But with a talented young generation, they can still maintain their strength. Scaloni is a smart coach, he will know how to rebuild the squad. However, the biggest question is: Can Argentina overcome the offside trap of history, or will they collapse like Evergrande once did? I don't have the answer, but I know football always has surprises. And as I have long said: "No one in Moscow has ever heard anyone speak as directly as I do, so they call it a prophecy." Let's wait and see. When news of Paredes' possible departure spread, Argentina fans had mixed reactions. Some supported his decision, saying the 10-match ban was too harsh and he deserved to leave with dignity. Others criticized him, saying he tarnished the team's image and should take responsibility. On social media, hashtags #ParedesStay and #ParedesOut appeared simultaneously, sparking a heated debate. I have witnessed many farewells in football, but never one as controversial as this. Paredes is not a bad player, he is just a victim of a moment of anger. But in football, a moment can define a career. And I believe, whether he leaves or not, he will still be remembered as one of Argentina's best midfielders. I want to repeat a phrase I have used many times: "When did German football die? When they believed they would win just because they always won." Argentina is the same. They are used to winning, and when defeat comes, they don't know how to face it. Paredes is a prime example. He failed to control his emotions in the final, leading to serious consequences. But I believe, from this lesson, Argentina will mature. And as I have long said: "The transfer market is a mirror: the rich see fame, the wise see the trap." Paredes saw the trap of the ban, and he chose to leave. That is a wise decision, though painful. Argentina will have to find its own path, and I believe they will.