Leandro Paredes Opens Up on Argentina Future, Messi, and 2026 World Cup Final Fallout

Days after Argentina's heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, midfielder Leandro Paredes broke his silence in a wide-ranging interview with ESPN Argentina on July 24. He addressed his own uncertain future with the national team, the likely retirement of Lionel Messi, his acceptance of Spain's victory, and the controversies that followed the final whistle.

Paredes Uncertain About Continuing with Argentina

Paredes openly doubted whether he would continue playing for Argentina. He told ESPN he has not made a decision on his international future and plans to discuss it with the coaching staff in the coming days . Multiple outlets report he is "seriously considering" stepping away from the Albiceleste .

"For many, there will be a time to think about what's best," Paredes said. "It will be very difficult to maintain this level and for the group to keep working in the same way. We have to think and carry out a thorough assessment and talk with the coach. Decisions must be made calmly."

Confirmation the Final Was Likely His Last World Cup

At 32 years old, Paredes acknowledged that the 2026 tournament was probably his final opportunity to win a World Cup. "At 32, it's normal to question whether I can keep going," he told ESPN . This places him among several aging Argentina stars likely to move on, alongside Nicolás Otamendi, who has already announced his retirement from international duty .

Paredes: Messi Has Decided to Retire from International Duty

Perhaps the most significant revelation from the interview concerned Lionel Messi. Paredes stated that he believes Messi has already made up his mind to retire from international football after the final.

"I think Messi has made the decision that the FIFA World Cup final will be his last game with the national team," Paredes said . He added that the squad is bracing for Messi's departure, though the captain himself has not yet made a public statement confirming his retirement . Messi, who led Argentina to three World Cup finals, left the MetLife Stadium pitch in tears after the loss .

Spain Deserved to Win, Says Paredes

Paredes was emphatic that Spain were rightful champions. "Many things were said, but Spain were superior to us in the final; they are the fair winner of the World Cup," he stated . He noted that the match, decided by a Ferran Torres goal in the 106th minute, was a tight contest but that Spain deserved the victory .

Rejection of Conspiracy Theories

Paredes firmly dismissed conspiracy theories circulating among some Argentine fans about the final. "I must be going crazy! I have no idea if there was a conspiracy. I think you have to be crazy to think that. Many things are said that are not true," he said . He explicitly rejected the notion that referee Slavko Vincic or FIFA had manipulated the result .

Change.org Petition for a Replay (Over 80,000 Signatures)

Despite Paredes's stance, a separate movement gained momentum online. A Change.org petition launched by Argentine fan Gisela Sanchez, alleging refereeing irregularities by Slovenian official Slavko Vincic, had gathered more than 80,000 signatures by July 23–24 . Several outlets reported the count had surpassed 80,700–82,000 signatures . The petition accuses match officials of "irregularities" and demands FIFA order a replay . Experts note that FIFA has never replayed a World Cup final, and the petition has no binding power .

Disciplinary Investigation for the Throat-Grab on Eric García

Paredes's post-match actions are now the subject of a formal FIFA disciplinary investigation . Footage showed Paredes grabbing Spain's Eric García by the throat and shoving him to the ground during a mass brawl at the final whistle . He was initially reported to have received a direct red card from referee Slavko Vincic , though FIFA later clarified the red card was not officially recorded due to a technical error .

FIFA subsequently opened an investigation into the conduct of multiple Argentina players, with Paredes at the center . Reports indicate he could face a multi-match suspension from international football, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also face sanctions .