Argentina's Paredes weighs international retirement after Messi departure

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes said he may step away from the national team following captain Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. Speaking to TyC Sports, the 32-year-old said Messi's absence would make it difficult to continue at the same level. Paredes said he would assess his next move together with the head coach, adding that he was certain continuing would be difficult given the high standards the team has set. He noted that the bar of success is now very high, making it challenging to compete in the same way without Messi. Messi announced the end of his international career on Tuesday, with the World Cup final loss to Spain marking the conclusion of his tenure with Argentina. Tensions flared after the final whistle, with Paredes and Nahuel Molina among the Argentine players involved in the altercation. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has since handed Paredes a five-match international ban and a $90,000 fine.