Messi’s retirement leaves Argentina with major questions to answer

Lionel Messi’s retirement leaves Argentina facing a question that feels almost impossible for the three-time world champions: how does the team move forward without its captain, greatest figure and all-time leading scorer?

“

I have emptied myself, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are very good young players coming through who deserve to be there.

The 39-year-old forward’s decision did not surprise the national team, but his departure still creates a huge void. Messi spent 21 years tied to Argentina’s blue-and-white shirt, enduring early setbacks before reaching glory in the later years of his career. His exit has already prompted comparisons with Diego Maradona’s departure more than three decades ago.

Messi said he had given everything he could. “I have emptied myself, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are very good young players coming through who deserve to be there,” he said when announcing his decision.

“

The feeling invading all of us is: how do we go on now? It is not just anyone who left, but our pride, the person everyone admired.

He remained decisive through the end of his international career. At the 2026 World Cup in North America, he scored eight goals and helped Argentina reach the July 19 final, which they lost 1-0 to Spain. Sports journalist Hugo Balassone wrote that Argentina would become “a little more earthly” without him and would have to rebuild around a shirt carrying enormous history and expectations.

“

Argentina’s national team becomes a little more earthly without him. We will have to rebuild it because it is a heavy brand, an immense shield, and there is a history to defend. But imagining it without Messi is very difficult.

The next uncertainty concerns coach Lionel Scaloni, whose contract runs until the end of 2026. Scaloni has left the door open to leaving and said he needs time to reflect, despite strong support from players, officials and fans. If he stays, he must reshape a team that will no longer revolve around Messi and will also lack second captain Nicolás Otamendi, who retired after the World Cup. The Argentine Football Association is expected to seek clarity from Scaloni in the coming weeks. It also hopes to organize a home tribute for Messi, although Argentina has no friendlies confirmed for the next international window.

“

I don’t know if something as great as this can be done.