Paredes admits suspension and Messi retirement make Argentina future uncertain

[p]The 32-year-old also said [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Lionel Messi[/a]'s ‌international retirement was another reason he would have ‌to weigh up his future with the ‌national team.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/paredes-leandro/lbNnSBiA/"]Paredes[/a] received the suspension in August, weeks after an altercation erupted at the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/argentina-f9OppQjp/spain-bLyo6mco/?mid=UgbUKPmT"]final whistle[/a] ‌when he shoved [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/spain/bLyo6mco/"]Spain[/a] midfielder [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gavi/xrV9v8CU/"]⁠Gavi[/a] to the ‌ground as the champions' substitutes rushed onto the pitch ​to celebrate.[/p][p]Paredes faced three assault charges, while teammate [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/molina-nahuel/M3TzoLot/"]Nahuel Molina[/a] faced two. ​Both players were also fined $90,000.[/p][p][b]"It's going to be difficult for me to stay with the ⁠national team,"[/b] ​Paredes told Argentine media on Tuesday.[/p][embed guid="79d02d3a-03cd-4bb0-a834-215611fd8059" url="https://x.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/2094806785278267548" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]"Because of the suspension as well, because of Leo's decision ... It's going to be difficult for everything to ‌carry on as before.[/b][/p][p][b]"I haven't discussed it with the coach (Lionel Scaloni) yet, but we'll talk about it and see what decision I make."[/b][/p][p]Paredes said Messi's absence from the national team would be keenly felt.[/p][p][b]"Leo's legacy will live on forever because of what he achieved, for never giving up and for ‌showing that dreams are hard-won, pursued and, ​in the end, fulfilled...," [/b]Paredes added.[/p][p][b]"We'd spoken ‌in the final days of the World Cup about how the final would surely be his last match, but even so, we weren't prepared for that because ⁠of what he ⁠means to us."[/b][/p]