Paredes reveals Messi considered ending Argentina career after World Cup

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has revealed that Lionel Messi had planned to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

Speaking following Boca Juniors’ latest match, Paredes said Messi had decided before the final that it would be his last appearance for Argentina.

He, however, expressed hope that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would reconsider the decision and continue representing the national team.

Paredes also said several members of Argentina’s squad were reviewing their international futures after the tournament.

He acknowledged that rebuilding the same understanding and consistency that had defined the side over the previous eight years would be difficult.

The 32-year-old rejected conspiracy theories surrounding Argentina’s World Cup campaign and said he did not pay attention to external criticism.

Paredes conceded that Spain deserved to win the final but maintained that Argentina had produced a strong performance throughout the competition.

Reflecting on the team’s achievements, he described the past eight years as an extraordinary period and said it had been a privilege to be part of one of the most successful phases in Argentina’s football history.

He added that the players were likely to appreciate the significance of their achievements even more with the passage of time.