Paredes suspended 10 matches, considers leaving Argentina: Signal from the dressing room

90,000 USD and a 10-match ban. That is the price Leandro Paredes paid for a scuffle in the 2026 World Cup final. But that number says nothing about his future in the Argentina shirt. I read the fine print: the sanction, the disciplinary clauses, and more importantly, the psychology of a player who just lost his legendary captain. When Lionel Messi announced his departure on August 31, Paredes lost not just a teammate, but a spiritual anchor. Now, the 32-year-old midfielder is considering following Messi out of the national team. Behind the statement "it will be very difficult for me to continue" lies a complex structure of honor, discipline, and the future of Argentine football. Throughout my career, I have seen many players make decisions based on fleeting emotions, but also those who turned punishment into motivation. Paredes is at a crossroads, and all eyes are on his upcoming conversation with coach Lionel Scaloni. Argentina just experienced an emotional 2026 World Cup. They reached the final for the second consecutive time, but lost 0-1 to Spain. In that match, Paredes played the full 90 minutes, completing 93% of his passes and creating four chances. But after the final whistle, he clashed with several opposition players, turning himself into a villain. Three assault charges, a $90,000 fine, and a 10-match international ban were the consequences. Just days later, Messi announced his retirement from the national team after 21 years, and defender Nicolas Otamendi did the same. Argentina lost three major pillars in less than a week. Scaloni faces the challenge of rebuilding the squad with only weeks before friendlies against Mexico and the USA in September. This context is not just a personnel crisis, but an identity crisis. Argentina's success under Scaloni was built on unity, sacrifice, and a winning mentality. Messi was the center of everything, but Paredes was one of the firekeepers in the dressing room. He was the one willing to do the dirty work, to press, to provoke, to protect his teammates. His departure, if it happens, will leave a huge void in spirit, not just in quality. Historically, Argentina went through a transition after Maradona retired, and it took over a decade to regain their status. Will they repeat that after the Messi era? Paredes is not an ordinary player. For nearly a decade, he has been one of Argentina's best central midfielders. He contributed to the Copa America titles in 2026 and 2026, the 2026 World Cup, and the 2026 Finalissima. He was one of four Argentines to score in the penalty shootout in the 2026 World Cup final against France. At the 2026 World Cup, he played seven of eight matches, showing his irreplaceable role in Scaloni's system. But a 10-match ban means he will miss all upcoming international fixtures, including the 2030 World Cup qualifiers if Argentina participate. That means he will not play until 2027, when he is 33. For a player of his age, a long ban could end his international career. However, Paredes' decision is not solely about the ban. He explicitly said Messi's decision influenced him. This shows a deep bond between the two, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room. Paredes was Messi's silent bodyguard, ready to get his hands dirty to protect his captain. With Messi gone, Paredes' role becomes ambiguous. He is no longer the protector of a legend; he must become a leader himself. That requires a different mentality, a different responsibility. And with a 10-match ban, he does not even have the chance to prove that on the field. Tactically, Argentina will lose a midfielder with excellent game reading, precise passing, and defensive support. But they still have Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, and many young talents. Scaloni can use this opportunity to experiment with new formations. However, losing an experienced player like Paredes during a transition is a huge blow. The hotel corridors before the World Cup say more than any press conference in the summer. I have seen many teams fall apart after losing big leaders, and Argentina is at risk. Look at the potential replacements for Paredes. Enzo Fernandez, 25, has proven himself at Chelsea and for the national team. He has good passing ability but lacks the big-game experience of Paredes. Alexis Mac Allister, 27, is a more attacking option but does not defend as well as Paredes. Rodrigo De Paul, 30, is the closest in spirit to Paredes, but he is also aging. There are also young talents like Exequiel Palacios and Guido Rodriguez, but they lack international class. Scaloni may have to try many options, and that takes time. Meanwhile, friendlies and qualifiers are approaching, and Argentina needs good results to maintain their status. But there is another perspective. Maybe Paredes should stay, not to redeem himself, but to face the ban and come back stronger. A 10-match ban could be a chance to rest, heal physically and mentally, and then return with a new leadership role. Football history has many examples of players overcoming scandals to become icons. Moreover, if Paredes leaves, he will miss the chance to erase the "villain" image that the public has assigned him. Staying and fighting would be the strongest answer. But I understand that at 32, with such a long ban, giving up is understandable. I don't listen to promises; I read the release clause. And that clause is weighing heavily on Paredes. Maybe he has already decided, but the conversation with Scaloni will be the final step. Argentina is entering a new era, without Messi, without Otamendi, and possibly without Paredes. The question is not who will replace them, but whether the team can build a new identity. Scaloni needs to find new leaders, those who can inspire the next generation. And if Paredes decides to leave, he will leave with a respectable legacy, but also leave a void that is hard to fill. Can Argentina overcome this difficult period? Only time will tell, but I believe that with a solid foundation of titles, they will find their way.