LEANDRO PAREDES is set to announce his retirement from international football – just weeks after making himself the villain of the World Cup.
The midfielder, 32, was at the centre of a mass brawl following Argentina’s loss to Spain in the final.
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Paredes was slapped with a TEN-game ban and a £66,000 fine after being spotted throwing punches before violently shoving Gavi to the floor.
But the shameless thug, who was hit with three assault charges, has hinted he is not planning to serve the lengthy suspension.
And Paredes admitted he is ready to hold talks with Argentina chief Lionel Scaloni following Lionel Messi’s decision to end his international career.
The Boca Juniors skipper said: “It’s going to be difficult for me to stay with the national team.
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“Because of the suspension as well, because of Leo’s decision. It’s going to be difficult for everything to carry on as before.
“I haven’t discussed it with the coach yet, but we’ll talk about it and see what decision I make.”
Fifa downgraded the severity of Paredes’ ban when they accepted the Argentine FA’s request to allow the suspension to be served in Class A friendlies as well as official showdowns.
But the ex-Roma and Paris Saint-Germain hardman is ready to call it quits after winning 84 caps.
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And Paredes would retire from international duty with a World Cup winner’s medal, having been part of the squad which tasted glory four years ago.
He was also crowned a Copa America winner twice while donning the colours of La Albiceleste.
But Paredes reckons Argentina will struggle to fill the void left by legendary talisman Messi.
He added: “Leo’s legacy will live on forever because of what he achieved, for never giving up and for showing that dreams are hard won, pursued and, in the end, fulfilled.
“We’d spoken in the final days of the World Cup about how the final would surely be his last match, but even so, we weren’t prepared for that because of what he means to us.”
Paredes had to be protected by riot police when he prepared to take a corner for Boca Juniors following his shameful acts at the summer extravaganza.
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Furious Newell’s Old Boys fans lobbed projectiles in the former Juventus enforcer’s direction.
Paredes also landed himself in more hot water when he slammed the ball into an opponent last month.