Paredes considers leaving Argentina: When a 10-match ban and Messi's departure change everything

Argentine football is experiencing a double earthquake. Less than a week after Lionel Messi announced his departure from the national team, Leandro Paredes - the 32-year-old key midfielder - is facing a similar crossroads. The 10-match international ban following the incident in the 2026 World Cup final, combined with the decision of the legendary captain, has pushed one of Argentina's most important players into a difficult position. "It will be very difficult for me to continue with the national team. Partly because of the suspension and partly because of Leo's decision," Paredes said in a recent interview. These words sound like a veiled farewell, and they raise a big question: Is Argentina losing an entire golden generation in just a few weeks? Look at the space, don't look at the position. While the whole world is focusing on Paredes' suspension, I see something deeper: this is not just about a player being banned. This is the collapse of a system that has operated perfectly for nearly a decade. Paredes is not a flashy star like Messi, but his role in the Argentine national team is irreplaceable. From the 2026 and 2026 Copa America titles, the 2026 World Cup, to the 2026 Finalissima, he was a crucial link in the system built by coach Lionel Scaloni. He was the one who kept the rhythm, who transitioned from defense to attack, and who took responsibility in the most difficult moments. Data from the 2026 World Cup shows Paredes still at his peak: he played 7 of 8 matches, completed 93% of his passes, and created 4 clear chances. He didn't score many goals, didn't create flashy moments, but he was the one who made the whole team operate smoothly. When he wasn't on the pitch, Argentina became disjointed and lacked ideas. But the incident in the 2026 World Cup final changed everything. In the 0-1 loss to Spain, Paredes clashed with several opposing players after the final whistle. The consequences: three assault charges, a $90,000 fine, and a 10-match international ban. For a 32-year-old player, this ban is almost a death sentence for his international career. There's something few people talk about: Paredes is suffering the consequences of extreme frustration. He's a fighter who put his heart and soul into the blue and white shirt. When the dream of a third world title slipped away, emotion overpowered reason. But football doesn't forgive impulsive moments, and Paredes is now paying the price. Messi's departure makes everything even more complicated. When the legendary captain announced his farewell on August 31 after 21 years, he took an entire era with him. Paredes spent most of his career playing alongside Messi, winning every possible trophy with him. Now that his greatest teammate has left, Paredes' motivation has also diminished significantly. "Thank you for everything," Paredes wrote in his tribute to Messi. "You will always be like this. Be the greatest of all. We love you, captain." These words are not just respect; they are an admission that a part of himself is also leaving with Messi. Argentina is facing a revolution. Nicolas Otamendi, the 38-year-old center-back, was the first to announce his departure after the 2026 World Cup. Now it's Paredes' turn. If he leaves, Argentina will lose three of its most important pillars in the same generational transition. This raises the question: Who will replace them? I've been following Argentine football for years, and I can say that the current young generation is not ready. Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez - they are all talented players, but they need time to learn from their seniors. Losing all three at once will create a huge void, both professionally and spiritually. But look from another perspective: maybe this is an opportunity for Argentina to rebuild radically. When the whole world believes in the standings, I believe in data. Data shows that Argentina has relied too much on Messi and Paredes in recent years. Their departure could be the catalyst for the team to rejuvenate, to create a new style of play that doesn't depend on any individual. Paredes said he will talk to coach Scaloni before making a final decision. Scaloni, who built this golden generation, will face the biggest challenge of his coaching career. He needs to convince Paredes to stay, or if not, he must find a worthy replacement. Home advantage doesn't die, people just mistake it for habit. Similarly, Argentina doesn't die when Messi leaves, but they will have to change the way they think about football. Paredes may leave, but his legacy will live on. He will be remembered as a true warrior, someone who sacrificed everything for the colors of his country. Every tactical revolution begins with someone considered crazy. Scaloni could be that person. He can create a new Argentina, without Messi, without Paredes, but still full of strength. However, that takes time, and time is something Argentina doesn't have much of before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In September, Argentina will have friendlies against Mexico and the United States. Scaloni will announce the squad list in mid-month. Will Paredes be on that list? The answer will determine the future of this team. Don't ask how much a star is worth, ask what the team will be like without him. Argentina is about to face that question, and the answer could be very painful. But as I've said, history doesn't care whether you dare to speak, it just waits for you to speak correctly. And I believe that, whether Paredes leaves or not, Argentina will still find its way. One thing is certain: Argentine football will never be the same. The departure of Messi and possibly Paredes will create a new era. That era may be painful, but it could also be the beginning of something greater. Look at the space, don't look at the position. The space left by Messi and Paredes will be where new generations rise. Paredes may no longer play for Argentina, but his name will forever be mentioned in the country's football history. He did everything he could, and now it's time for him to rest. But Argentina cannot rest. They must continue moving forward, no matter how difficult it is. Championship is never a surprise for those who know how to read data. And the data shows that Argentina is facing a big challenge. But great teams are forged through such challenges. The question is: does Argentina have enough character to overcome it?