Doubts and youth: Argentina enters the post-Messi era

Lionel Messi's international retirement marks the beginning of a new era for Argentina, which is wondering how it can remain competitive without its brilliant No. 10 who has guided it for the last 20 years.

"I gave everything, I have nothing left to give, there are very good young players coming up behind who deserve their place," wrote the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, aged 39, on Monday.

Even though this farewell had been expected for weeks, an entire country, which maintains a close relationship with the child of Rosario, woke up with a feeling of hangover.

"The feeling that overwhelms us all is: 'And now, what do we do?' It's not just anyone who has left, it's our pride, the one everyone admired," wrote journalist Hugo Balassone of TyC Sports.

"Without him, the Argentine national team loses some of its luster. It will have to be rebuilt, because it is a heavy legacy, a huge symbol and a history to defend. But imagining it without Messi is really difficult," he added.

They're leaving: Messi, Otamendi, Emiliano Martinez...

With Messi's departure, the most glorious chapter in the history of the Albiceleste comes to a close, with a World Cup won in 2022 and two finals lost after extra time in 2014 and last July, as well as two Copa America titles lifted in 2021 and 2024.

The Inter Miami star isn't the only one hanging up his boots; his lieutenants have followed suit, or are considering doing so. This is the case for Nicolas Otamendi, 38, who retired from international football following the final defeat against Spain.

For his part, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, indicated that he was wondering if it was time to "step back" from the national team.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes, 32, followed suit: "If he (Messi) is not there, it will be difficult for everything to continue to function as before," he said in an interview with local channel TN.

Nicolas Tagliafico, 34, and Rodrigo De Paul, 32, are also among this generation of thirty-somethings who have linked their destiny to that of Messi.

He wonders: coach Scaloni

Coach Lionel Scaloni is inextricably linked to the exploits of the Messi era, to the point that his team, identifiable by its grit, was nicknamed the "Scaloneta".

Appointed in 2018, the 48-year-old coach could be in his final months in the role, as his contract expires in December.

Although press reports indicated a verbal agreement with his federation to continue until 2030, he left his future uncertain after the heartbreak of the lost final.

"I already have an idea of what I want to do, I'm going to honor my contract and then we'll see. I need to think about it, because I don't know if it's possible to achieve something as big as this," he said before bursting into tears.

They remain: Enzo Fernandez, Alvarez...

The new stars of the Albiceleste do not have the level of celebrity of Messi but possess solid credentials.

In defense, center-back Lisandro Martinez will continue to partner with Cristian Romero. Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister will remain in a Premier League-caliber midfield. Finally, Argentina retains world-class strikers in Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.

Such a framework should allow the Albiceleste to defend its title at the next Copa America in 2028, and to be competitive at the 2030 World Cup, of which it will host a match - which allows it to qualify automatically.

"There are more than a dozen players who played in the last World Cup who have the desire and the age to continue, and who proudly carry the Albiceleste banner that unites us," said specialist Alejandro Fabbri in a column published on TyC Sports.

For the moment, no friendly match has been announced for the next international window at the end of September, but the Argentine federation would like to pay tribute to Messi one last time, according to available information.