We'll see if Paredes walks away from Argentina after FIFA ban
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has hinted he may retire from international football, saying “We’ll talk and see” after FIFA handed him a ten‑match ban following the chaotic World Cup final. Comments Sport Bruna Reis Senior Sports Journalist 19:17, 02 Sep 2026, View Image.
The final saw Argentina lose 1‑0 to Spain, and the closing whistle sparked a mass brawl in which the Boca Juniors man was seen trading blows before shoving Spain's Gavi to the turf. Getty Images captured the melee.
Brawl aftermath and FIFA sanctions
FIFA’s disciplinary committee issued a ten‑match suspension and a £66,000 fine for Paredes, while defender Nahuel Molina received a seven‑game ban and the identical fine. The sanctions were handed down under the FA’s football governance framework.
After an appeal by the Argentine FA, FIFA agreed to allow the suspension to be served across Class A friendlies as well as competitive matches. Get our comprehensive football coverage for further updates.
Paredes admitted, “It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team because of the suspension and Leo’s decision. I haven’t discussed it with the coach yet, but we’ll talk and see what decision I make.”
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football last month, confirming his final appearance came in the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Paredes warned that filling the void left by the Argentine icon will be an enormous challenge, adding that Messi’s legacy will live on forever. Should he quit, Paredes will depart as a World Cup winner from Qatar 2022 and a two‑time Copa America champion.
The midfielder’s future remains undecided as he prepares talks with coach Lionel Scaloni in the coming weeks.