(Lionel Messi. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)
Argentina is entering uncertain territory after Lionel Messi hung up his international boots on Monday.
The 39-year-old spent 21 years carrying the team’s hopes on his back in the famous number 10 shirt, and his departure leaves a massive void.
Messi’s last match was a 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final in July.
Only two of the 17 players who started that game will be under 30 when the next World Cup arrives in South America in 2030.
The team is aging, and several veterans are now questioning their futures.
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi already retired from international duty after the Spain loss, saying he couldn’t compete with younger teams.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has hinted he might follow.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes, now 32 and banned for 10 matches after attacking Spanish players in the final, has suggested his time might be up too.
He said without Messi, keeping things running the way they used to will be hard.
The biggest question surrounds coach Lionel Scaloni.
The 48-year-old has overseen Argentina’s best period since Diego Maradona’s era.
He ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy by winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
But his contract expires in December, and he is uncertain about his future.
He said he needs to think about whether he can achieve anything as great as what he already has.
Still, Argentina has exciting young talent emerging.
Enzo Fernandez just moved to Manchester City and will anchor the midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister.
Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez can step up as forwards now that Messi is gone.
Twenty-three-year-old Giuliano Simeone impressed as a substitute in the semi-final win over England.
Nineteen-year-old Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid is already earning caps.
Messi himself said great young players are coming and deserve their chance.
Argentina’s Under-20 team reached the final of last year’s world championship, losing only to Morocco.
The future has promise, though the immediate challenge of replacing a once-in-a-generation player is daunting.
