Argentina Enters the Post-Messi Era: Who Will Take His Place?

Lionel Messi’s decision to end his Argentina career has closed an era for a generation that grew up with the forward’s goals and titles. The announcement leaves the Albiceleste facing a wide-ranging transition, not just a search for a new captain and a new No. 10.

Messi, 39, announced his departure on Monday after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. His exit has unsettled a team that has depended on his presence for more than 20 years. The next questions concern which established players will remain and which younger prospects will take their places.

Leandro Paredes, 32, cast doubt on his own future with the national team on Tuesday. He said Messi’s departure weighed heavily because the squad had built an exceptional group of players and people around its leader. Nicolás Otamendi had already said before the World Cup that the tournament would be his final duty for Argentina. Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also face questions about their futures.

The position of coach Lionel Scaloni is another major uncertainty. His contract expires at the end of the year, and after the final defeat he said he would take time to consider his next decision. Speculation about possible replacements has expanded alongside the discussion over Messi’s successor as captain and the wearer of the No. 10 shirt.

Cristian Romero is among the strongest candidates for the armband. The defender has been a mainstay of Argentina’s back line and has captained the team during Messi’s previous absences. Tagliafico and Martínez have also led the side, though the next coach may prefer an outfield player whose place in the team appears secure for years to come. Some voices have called for the No. 10 shirt to be retired in Messi’s honor, but it is expected to go to one of the squad’s emerging leaders.

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I think that in these years, in this process, we managed to form an incredible group of players and people, and in that group we had our leader, Leo, and he will no longer be there.