Argentina face a major transition after Messi’s international retirement

Argentina are entering an uncertain transition after Lionel Messi vacated the national team’s famous number 10 shirt following 21 years of carrying the country’s hopes.

Messi’s international career ended after a golden late period in which Argentina won three major titles, including the 2022 World Cup. His last competitive match came in the 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final in July.

The next generation will have to emerge quickly. Of the 17 players who appeared for Argentina in that final, only two will be under 30 when the 2030 World Cup begins in South America. Nicolas Otamendi, 38, has already retired from international football, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and midfielder Leandro Paredes have also raised doubts about their futures. Paredes received a 10-match FIFA ban after attacking Spain players following the final.

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If he (Messi) isn't there, it will be hard for everything to keep working the way it used to

“If he (Messi) isn't there, it will be hard for everything to keep working the way it used to,” Paredes told Argentine television channel TN. Rodrigo De Paul’s international future has also been closely linked to Messi’s departure.

The biggest uncertainty surrounds Scaloni, who led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America and ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy. His contract expires in December. After the loss to Spain, he said, “I already have an idea of what I want to do. I'm going to honor my contract, and then we'll see. I need to think, because I don't know if it's possible to achieve something as great as this.” Argentina will host one match at the 2030 World Cup and automatically qualify. Before then, the team will seek a third straight Copa America title in 2028, with players including Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister providing continuity.

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I already have an idea of what I want to do. I'm going to honor my contract, and then we'll see. I need to think, because I don't know if it's possible to achieve something as great as this.