Leandro Paredes calls Messi retirement devastating

Argentina must now move forward without Lionel Messi, the captain and central figure of its recent rise. Leandro Paredes said the announcement had been devastating and that the player’s importance to the team, the country and football made the decision especially difficult to absorb.

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31 at the age of 39. He had told teammates that the 2026 World Cup final would probably be his last appearance, but Paredes said knowing that possibility did not prepare the squad for his departure. Messi made the decision two days after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the final on July 19.

The Inter Miami forward leaves Argentina after 207 appearances and 125 goals, both national records. His final World Cup produced eight goals and four assists, despite the loss in the final. His international career also brought the Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 World Cup, ending a long wait for major honours after earlier defeats in finals.

Messi said he no longer had anything to give the national team and wanted to create room for younger players. His decision ends his Argentina career but not his professional playing career, which continues with Inter Miami. Paredes said the squad had discussed the subject with Messi several times, yet still found his exit difficult to accept.