Leandro Paredes has sent shockwaves across the football world after revealing that Lionel Messi saw the 2026 World Cup final as his farewell to international football. The Inter Miami superstar was in tears after Argentina’s defeat to Spain, and his long-time team-mate has now opened up about the captain’s state of mind on that emotional night in North America.

Argentina’s pain

The hurt from Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat has only deepened after Paredes’ comments about Messi’s international future. Speaking after returning to club duty with Boca Juniors, the 32-year-old midfielder admitted that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had mentally treated the final against Spain as his last appearance.

Messi’s private retirement plan revealed

Paredes delivered the news that many Argentina supporters had feared while speaking about the emotional mood inside the camp. The Boca Juniors star made the remarks soon after setting up a match-winning assist against O'Higgins in the first leg of a Copa Sudamericana knockout playoff.

“It hurts because, as we said throughout the World Cup, we didn't want the last match to arrive,” Paredes revealed. “I think he had made a decision that it was his last match for the national team.”

Even with that bleak admission, Paredes said he hoped his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate could still change his mind. “I hope not, I hope he can continue playing,” he added. “It will be his decision. Whatever makes him happy will surely make us happy too.”

Uncertainty hangs over the Albiceleste squad

Messi is not the only player rethinking his future after the loss. Paredes himself has also raised doubts over whether he will carry on with the national team, hinting that a major shake-up could be coming for Lionel Scaloni’s side.

When asked about his own future, the Boca Juniors midfielder stayed non-committal. “I don't know, it's a process. We have to digest it, think about it, not make hasty decisions and it's certainly something we have to talk about,” he said.

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Rebuilding for the future under Scaloni

The possible departure of senior players presents a major tactical challenge for Scaloni. With experienced figures such as Nicolas Otamendi already confirming their exits, losing Messi and Paredes would mark the clear end of an era. The coaching staff must now decide whether to begin a complete rebuild or try to convince the remaining veterans to stay for one final push towards the 2028 Copa America.

Paredes insisted that any decision must be taken with a clear mind, even though the emotions from the World Cup exit are still fresh. He concluded: “For many, it's going to be a difficult decision whether to continue or not. 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. We have to weigh a lot of things and talk to the coach, make decisions calmly.”