As Lionel Messi edges closer to hanging up his boots, Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes has hinted that his own international career may not be far behind — and a lengthy suspension is not helping matters.
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has opened up about the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Argentine national team, hinting that retirement from international football may be on the horizon. The Roma star made these revelations following a 10-match ban handed to him for his involvement in a post-match brawl — the kind of drama that would not look out of place in a Nollywood script.
The Suspension That Changed Everything
For any footballer, a 10-match suspension is no small thing. But for Paredes, who has built his reputation as one of Argentina’s key midfield enforcers, the ban feels like a turning point. Coming at this stage of his career, when the golden generation of Argentine football is gradually winding down, the timing could not have been worse.
The suspension has clearly given the 30-year-old serious food for thought about how much longer he wants to continue representing the Albiceleste.
Life After Messi — A World Nobody Is Ready For
Let’s be honest — the thought of an Argentina team without Lionel Messi is enough to make even the most hardcore football fan shed a tear. For Paredes, who has shared a dressing room with arguably the greatest player to ever lace a boot, the prospect of continuing without his compatriot and close friend appears deeply uninspiring.
Paredes has been part of the golden era that delivered Argentina’s long-awaited 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar — a moment that had millions across the world, including countless Nigerian fans, jumping out of their seats. He understands better than most what it means to play in a team built around Messi’s genius.
With Messi now in his late 30s and winding down his legendary career at Inter Miami in the MLS, the writing appears to be on the wall for that era of Argentine football.
What This Means for Argentine Football
Paredes is not the only one who will have to make this difficult decision. Several members of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad are approaching the twilight of their careers. Players like Ángel Di María have already called it a day internationally, and others will follow soon.
For Nigeria and the rest of the footballing world, watching this generation fade away feels like saying goodbye to a favourite TV series. You know it has to end, but you are simply not ready.
The Bigger Picture
Paredes’ situation is a reminder that football careers — no matter how glorious — are fleeting. One moment you are lifting the World Cup trophy, the next you are serving a lengthy ban and questioning your future.
For Nigerian football lovers who have long admired Argentina’s technical style of play and the brilliance of Messi, this signals the end of an era. A new chapter is coming for Argentine football, and it remains to be seen who will step up to fill the enormous boots being left behind.
As for Paredes, the decision ultimately rests with him. But if the 2022 World Cup was indeed his crowning moment in the blue and white shirt, he can hold his head high — it was one heck of a journey.
What do you think? Should Paredes continue with Argentina or call it quits alongside Messi? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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