Argentina are entering a major period of transition following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football, with uncertainty also surrounding the future of coach Lionel Scaloni and several veteran members of the squad.
Messi officially vacated Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt on Monday after 21 years of carrying the nation’s hopes. Although the pressure initially proved difficult to handle, the latter stages of his international career brought an unprecedented golden era, with Argentina winning three major trophies, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The 39-year-old’s final competitive appearance came in Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in July.
Of the 17 players who featured for Scaloni in that final, only two will be under the age of 30 when the 2030 World Cup begins.
Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi, 38, retired from international football following the defeat in New Jersey, where Argentina struggled against a younger and more energetic Spanish side.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has also hinted that he could follow Otamendi into retirement, while 32-year-old midfielder Leandro Paredes has raised similar questions about his future. Paredes was handed a 10-match FIFA suspension for his involvement in an altercation with Spanish players after the final.
“If he isn’t there, it will be difficult for everything to continue working as it did before,” Paredes told Argentine television channel TN, referring to Messi.
Rodrigo De Paul’s future with the national team has also been closely linked to that of his Inter Miami teammate.
Scaloni Future Remains Uncertain
One of the biggest questions facing Argentina concerns the future of Scaloni, who has overseen the most successful period for the national team since the era of Diego Maradona.
Scaloni, 48, took charge in 2018 and ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major international trophy by guiding them to Copa America glory in 2021. He subsequently led the team to the 2022 World Cup and another Copa America title.
His current contract is due to expire in December.
Scaloni was reportedly set to extend his deal until 2030 before the World Cup, but he appeared to cast doubt on his future following the disappointing performance against Spain.
“I already have an idea of what I want to do,” Scaloni said after the final. “I’m going to honour 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 automatically qualify for the 2030 World Cup as one of three South American nations selected to host an opening-round match, although the tournament will be primarily staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Before then, Argentina will aim to defend their Copa America crown in 2028 and win the competition for a third consecutive time.
New Stars Ready to Step Up
Despite Messi’s departure, Argentina are expected to remain among the leading contenders for major honours.
Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero have established themselves as the team’s preferred centre-back pairing, while Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister have become key figures in midfield.
Messi’s absence could also create greater opportunities in attack for Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.
Álvarez, in particular, will be expected to improve his international scoring record after managing 15 goals in 59 appearances for Argentina.
Messi remains optimistic about the country’s future and believes a new generation is ready to take responsibility.
“I’ve given it my all. I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi said when announcing his retirement.
Among those emerging talents is Nico Paz, who has already represented Argentina at the World Cup and could become a more regular starter.
Giuliano Simeone, the 23-year-old son of former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone, also impressed during the World Cup, while 19-year-old Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono has already earned four senior caps.
Argentina’s youth teams have also provided encouragement. Their Under-20 side reached the final of last year’s World Cup in Chile before losing to Morocco.
Argentina currently have no fixtures scheduled for the upcoming international break, although the Argentine Football Association is reportedly considering a farewell match for Messi.
The legendary forward leaves as Argentina’s record goalscorer and appearance maker, having scored 125 goals in 207 international appearances.
His departure leaves an enormous void, but Argentina’s next generation will now have the opportunity to begin writing its own chapter.
