Argentina searches for a successor to Lionel Messi

Thursday 03 September 2026 - 15:46

By: Azzat Manal

Argentina searches for a successor to Lionel Messi

Argentina is entering a new era following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football, bringing an end to nearly two decades in which the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner became the defining figure of the national team.

At 39, Messi has said he has given everything he could to Argentina and believes the time has come for younger players to take on greater responsibilities. His departure marks a major turning point for a team that enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its history during his leadership.

Argentina won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The team also reached the 2014 World Cup final and most recently lost another major final to Spain after extra time.

Messi is not the only member of the championship generation approaching the end of his international career. Defender Nicolás Otamendi, 38, has also announced his retirement from the national team, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, 33, has acknowledged that he is considering stepping away.

Other experienced players are facing similar questions. Leandro Paredes, 32, has admitted that maintaining the same level will be difficult without Messi, while Nicolás Tagliafico and Rodrigo De Paul also belong to a generation gradually approaching the end of its international careers.

Uncertainty also surrounds coach Lionel Scaloni. His current contract expires in December, and although reports have suggested a possible agreement to remain in charge until 2030, Scaloni has indicated that he will first honor his existing contract before deciding on his future.

Despite the departures and uncertainty, Argentina has no shortage of potential leaders for its next chapter. Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez are among the players expected to play important roles as the national team rebuilds around a younger core.

Football analyst Alejandro Fabri believes more than 10 players from Argentina’s latest squad remain young enough and motivated enough to continue at international level. Their presence could give the reigning world champions a strong foundation as they look toward the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup.

The transition will nevertheless require Argentina to redefine its identity after years of relying heavily on Messi’s creativity, leadership and ability to decide major matches. Finding a single player capable of replacing his influence may be unrealistic, making collective leadership and the development of emerging talents increasingly important.

The Argentine Football Association has yet to announce a friendly for the September international window. There is also reportedly a desire to organize a final tribute to Messi, providing an opportunity for supporters to celebrate the career of a player who transformed Argentine football and became one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history.

Argentina’s challenge now is not simply to find another Messi, but to build a team capable of competing at the highest level without the player who defined an entire era.