After Messi’s farewell, what is next for Argentina’s national team?

Lionel Messi bid farewell to the Argentina national team on Monday following a 21-year career, ending with a World Cup title in 2022. The retired captain, who holds records for most goals (125) and victories (23) in World Cup history, expressed his gratitude in an Instagram post, stating he had given his all and that young players deserve their chance.

Messi's departure has left Argentina grappling with uncertainty about the future of the team, which reached the World Cup final just six weeks ago. Young talents Nico Paz and Thiago Almada, who played alongside Messi at the World Cup, will vie for the playmaker role, but neither have yet to dazzle. Argentina's success during the World Cup qualifiers, when they maintained a winning record without Messi, is a testament to the team's resilience.

Manager Lionel Scaloni, who is known for his tactical adjustments, has emphasized the importance of retaining his captain for the upcoming Copa America in 2028. The young core of the team, led by defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez, midfielders Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Valentín Barco, and forwards Giuliano Simeone and Julián Álvarez, hold the key to Argentina's future success.