Argentina's football stars face potential 'end of cycle' in World Cup final

The upcoming final against Spain may signal the conclusion of the international careers for several prominent figures in the Argentine national football team. This generation, which triumphed in the 2022 World Cup and has remained crucial throughout the current tournament, aims to secure one last major achievement before potentially stepping aside.

Since Lionel Scaloni took the helm after the 2018 World Cup elimination, he has fostered continuity within the squad. Players like Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes, initially less prominent, became integral to Scaloni's system. Alongside Lionel Messi, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico, they have formed the core of a team that has achieved success in the Copa América (2021, 2024), the Finalissima (2022), and the World Cup (2022).

At 39, Messi continues to be the team's star, showing remarkable form and competing for top individual honors. However, with an aging squad, the team faces the inevitable challenge of generational transition. Messi himself has hinted that this might be his last World Cup, though his performance has fueled fan hopes for his participation in 2030.

Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi, 38, has already announced his departure from the national team after this tournament, concluding a 17-year career. He expressed satisfaction with his contribution, stating, "It was a long road, with many joys and some sorrows because it's football. I leave with the feeling of having given everything for the national team, always willing to defend this shirt."

“

It was a long road, with many joys and some sorrows because it's football. I leave with the feeling of having given everything for the national team, always willing to defend this shirt.