Leandro Paredes has disclosed that Lionel Messi mentally prepared for the 2026 World Cup final against Spain to be his international farewell. The revelation emerged after Argentina's heartbreaking loss in North America, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner visibly emotional following the defeat. Speaking from his current club Boca Juniors, the 32-year-old midfielder offered an intimate glimpse into the Inter Miami superstar's mindset during that devastating night.
Paredes opened up about the weight of the moment, saying: "It hurts because, as we said throughout the World Cup, we didn't want the last match to arrive. I think he had made a decision that it was his last match for the national team." The comments underscore how heavily the occasion weighed on Messi, who has been the driving force behind Argentina's recent success, including their 2022 World Cup triumph. However, Paredes quickly added a hopeful note: "I hope not, I hope he can continue playing. It will be his decision. Whatever makes him happy will surely make us happy too."
Uncertainty Surrounds Argentina's Future
Paredes himself remains undecided about continuing with the national team, signaling that Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni may face significant departures from his squad. Veteran defenders like Nicolas Otamendi have already announced their retirements, and the potential loss of Messi and Paredes would mark the definitive end of an era for the Albiceleste. The coaching staff must now weigh whether to initiate a complete rebuild or convince remaining senior players to pursue a final push toward the 2028 Copa America.
When asked about his own future, Paredes stressed the importance of taking time before making critical decisions. "I don't know, it's a process. We have to digest it, think about it, not make hasty decisions," he explained. He acknowledged the emotional toll: "It was a beautiful, spectacular process; we achieved important things. It's going to be very difficult to maintain this level, for the group to continue functioning this way." The midfielder emphasized that any choices must come after calm discussion with coaching staff, not in the immediate aftermath of disappointment. Scaloni faces a defining period as Argentina prepares for the next phase of international football, with the futures of its greatest talents hanging in the balance.
