The Argentina team is going into an uncertain new era as Lionel Messi’s iconic No.10 is now empty for the first time in over 20 years. Argentina have now ended their run when Messi left the country in July after they were defeated 1-0 by Spain in the World Cup final. The legendary forward is 39 and his team may be without a number of veteran players at the next World Cup.
The Argentina international defender, Nicolas Otamendi, is already in the international club’s retirement village, and the goal keeper, Emiliano Martinez, has expressed that his days with Argentina may be coming to a close as well. Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul are also facing questions over their international futures. Paredes said it was hard to see how the team would function without their captain, especially with Messi’s influence.
Another big question mark is Coach Lionel Scaloni. The 48-year-old has shepherded Argentina through its best decades in years to the World Cup and the Copa America, as well as a second Copa America title in 2021. His contract is said to be up next month, and the future of his is not clear.
Argentina, however, have a solid foundation from which to rebuild. Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero are still vital on the defense and Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez provide young and quality midfielders.
So, the post-Messi Argentina could also see more chances for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez to become Argentina’s main threats for attack. They have potential talent as well. Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone and Franco Mastantuono (19) are some of the new recruits that could be the next generation’s stars.
But there’s also confidence in Argentina’s future, with Messi himself confident that Argentine youth is ready for the occasion. It will be hard to replace his persona, but Argentina now have the opportunity to create a new identity based on the talent emerging.
