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Boca Juniors captain Leandro Paredes has raised doubts over his international future after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The midfielder said the squad now faces important decisions about whether to continue, while also brushing aside outside conspiracy theories around their painful loss.

Paredes hints at Argentina exit

Just four days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Paredes made a surprising remark about his international future. After returning to La Bombonera and leading Boca Juniors to a 1-0 win over O'Higgins, the Xeneize captain admitted he was unsure whether he would carry on with the Albiceleste. The 32-year-old also revealed that he played with a fractured rib picked up in the match against Egypt.

Midfielder dismisses conspiracy claims

Speaking to ESPN, Paredes first spoke about the physical strain of his campaign, explaining how he dealt with a fractured rib to stay available for selection: “The first few days were tough because I had a small fracture, but now I'm feeling better. The severe pain was in the first few days after the match against Egypt, and we managed it well with orthopaedic specialists and staff to hold out for as long as I could.”

The experienced midfielder then rejected outside rumours and conspiracy theories surrounding Argentina’s journey, while openly admitting Spain were better in the final and reflecting on his country’s eight-year cycle: “If I listened to everything out there, I must be going crazy.

“Everything that was said before, during, and after the World Cup... We had a great World Cup. Spain was superior to us in the final, they are fair winners, and all that's left for us is to appreciate what we accomplished over these eight years. It was a spectacular cycle, a pleasure to be part of, and it will surely sink in later.”

Paredes reflects on heartbreak

The emotional recovery from their World Cup disappointment is expected to take time, even though the Albiceleste continued to set exceptionally high standards on the international stage. He continued: “It's going to be a long process to get over what we experienced. Even though we achieved important things, losing the World Cup final is going to hurt for a long time because we were so close once again.

“We have to take pride in it, because maintaining the level we kept for so long isn't easy. Despite losing the final, the fans felt represented by us, which is deeply rewarding, and for that, I'm happy.”

When asked about the uncertain futures of head coach Lionel Scaloni and captain Lionel Messi, the former Roma man suggested the team’s current cycle could be nearing a turning point, saying: “For many, it will be a matter of deciding whether to continue or not.

“It was a beautiful, spectacular cycle, and we achieved major things. It’s going to be very difficult to maintain this level and keep the group functioning this way. A lot of things need to be weighed up, and we need to talk with the manager and make calm decisions.”

On his own future with the national team, Paredes added: “I don't know. It's a process: you have to digest it, think it through, avoid making rushed decisions, and it's certainly something that needs to be discussed.”

Scaloni faces squad rebuild

Paredes will now turn his attention to domestic duties with Boca while continuing his recovery from the rib injury. At international level, his short-term future with Argentina also remains uncertain as he waits for possible FIFA sanctions after his behaviour following the final defeat.

Scaloni and his staff must quickly map out the squad’s direction before the upcoming qualifiers, with gaining clarity on senior figures such as Paredes and Messi proving crucial in deciding whether the Albiceleste are heading towards a gradual rebuild.