At 39, Messi confirmed his retirement from international football, saying he has given everything and has nothing more to offer.
He captained Argentina to World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022, but his final match for the national team ended in defeat to Spain.
Messi leaves with 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
Paredes said Messi’s legacy will endure because of his achievements, his perseverance, and the example that dreams are hard-won, chased, and ultimately fulfilled.
He added that they had discussed in the final days of the World Cup that the final would likely be Messi’s last game, yet they still weren’t prepared for it because of what he means to them.