In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel Los Edul, World Cup winner Leandro Paredes shared his thoughts on fatherhood, club football, his relationship with Lionel Messi and Neymar, and what the future might hold with Boca Juniors.
Asked about his life in Rome, Paredes reflected on a hectic but joyful time.
“We’re sleeping well with the baby. He wakes up to feed, but then goes right back to sleep. Everything’s 10 out of 10.”
Settling back in Italy has special meaning for his family.
“Rome is a city we love. We’ve always said this could be where we live after I retire. We’re really happy here.”
His return to Roma was full of ups and downs.
“It was a very tough season. We started with a coach we knew well and trusted, and after three games he was sacked. That changed everything. I went from playing 90 minutes every game to not playing at all.”
When asked about the shift under Daniele De Rossi, he said:
“With Claudio, everything changed. He gave me confidence, he valued me, and he always told me he wanted me to stay.”
Paredes admitted the benching made him question his future.
“I even thought about returning to Argentina. Not playing for two months really affected my mood.”
Regarding the Argentina national team, Paredes explained that despite his long-standing presence in the squad, he never takes his place for granted.
“I was scared I wouldn’t be called up because I wasn’t playing. Even though I’m part of the base Scaloni talks about, the fear was there.”
His recent performances for Argentina, including the wins over Uruguay and Brazil, reaffirmed his value.
“It had been a long time since I played both games in a double matchday. Playing the way I did in those matches was spectacular.”
On the emotional Copa América final moment with Messi:
“It hurt to see him like that on the bench, knowing he couldn’t continue. When I came in, I gave my all—for him, for the team.”
He also shared what Neymar texted him after Argentina’s dominant win in Brazil:
“He sent me a video from the game laughing and said, ‘You didn’t have to play like that!’”
“He’s incredibly respectful. Never once has he said anything bad about us. That’s why I admire him even more.”
Looking ahead, Paredes didn’t hide his dream:
“Another World Cup and winning the Copa Libertadores with Boca. That’s the dream.”
Asked if there’s space on his body for a new tattoo if he wins it, he smiled:
“Yes, I’ve got a spot ready for it.”
His connection to Boca Juniors remains alive.
“The desire is always there. My family, my friends, they all want to see me back in Argentina. I watch every game when the schedule allows.”
Paredes also hinted at a potential reunion in Argentina with a close friend and longtime teammate.
“I drive Dybala crazy,” he laughed. “As he said, he was a Boca fan as a kid and has the dream of playing in Argentine football. So I always tell him, if we go back to Argentina, come with me.”
And about the young Boca midfielder Milton Delgado:
“He plays really well. Very smart, very dynamic. I hope he keeps growing.”
As for the future, Paredes acknowledged he might follow a coaching path—with a twist:
“I don’t want to be the head coach. I want to be the assistant. Less responsibility—I’ll let Fide (Di María) handle the pressure.”
