{
  "id": 4918252,
  "title": "Questions mount for Argentina's national team after Messi retirement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/questions-mount-for-argentinas-national-team-after-messi-retirement",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-01T18:10:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Buenos Aires Times",
    "slug": "buenos-aires-times",
    "url": "https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/questions-mount-for-argentinas-national-team-after-messi-retirement.phtml"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Argentina's national football team prepares to bid farewell to their beloved captain and all-time leading goalscorer, Lionel Messi, questions are mounting about the team's future under Coach Lionel Scaloni. The 39-year-old star's retirement marks the end of an era, leaving a void that the three-time World Cup champions must now fill.\n\nMessi, who announced his decision to retire, said he has given everything he has to the national team and that young players are ready to take his place. However, the departure of the team's pride and admiration has left many wondering how Argentina will navigate this new chapter without their star player.\n\nThe situation is further complicated by doubts over Scaloni's future, who has left the door open for his departure at the end of his contract. The coach, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup final, will need to decide whether to continue or step aside, with a decision likely to be made in the coming weeks.\n\nIf Scaloni remains in charge, he will have to rebuild a team that is no longer defined by Messi's presence. The team will also be without vice-captain Nicolás Otamendi, who retired from international football after the World Cup. The Argentina Football Association (AFA) intends to pay tribute to Messi in front of his home crowd, but the team has no friendly matches scheduled in the next international window, which begins in three weeks.\n\nMeanwhile, several key players are also considering their futures. Midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches by FIFA for his behavior following Argentina's loss to Spain at the last World Cup. Goalkeeper Emiliano \"Dibu\" Martínez has also raised questions about his future, stating that he needs to reflect on his next move.\n\nWith these unanswered questions hanging over the team, Argentina must now look towards a new era, led by players such as Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández, and Julián Álvarez. The future of the Albiceleste remains uncertain, but the team is determined to carry on and defend the legacy left behind by their iconic captain.",
  "summary": "With skipper Lionel Messi's retirement, coach Lionel Scaloni's future still unresolved and several key players hinting that their cycles with the national team are over, what next for the Albiceleste? Leer más",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}