Argentina is officially entering a new era after Lionel Messi's departure. The Albiceleste must now prepare the future with a generation to gradually take over.
Messi's last match with Argentina is not only the end of an immense international career. It also marks the beginning of a transition that Lionel Scaloni will have to manage with caution. For more than twenty years, number 10 has been central to the Argentine project. His departure now requires the breeder to redistribute responsibilities and prepare for succession.
A New Generation Already Present
Argentina does not lack talent to write the sequel. Nico Paz is one of the players that will take on more importance. The offensive environment has the technical qualities necessary to evolve between lines and participate in creation.
Franco Mastantuono also represents one of the great hopes of Argentine football. Its offensive profile could allow it to gradually gain an important place in the Scaloni system. However, the new generation is not limited to these two players.
Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez still have a long period ahead of them at the highest level. In the middle, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister can also become major elements of the next cycle.
No way to look for a new Messi
The first mistake would be to immediately designate a successor to number 10. Messi is impossible to replace individually. His influence on the Argentine game far exceeded his position. He created, marked, organized and constantly attracted several defenders. The next cycle will therefore have to work differently;
Scaloni could distribute these responsibilities among several players. The team could become more collective in its creation, with several sources of danger instead of depending on one player. This will also be necessary in the changing room.
Who to wear the Albiceleste?
The issue of leadership will also be central. Messi leaves the group after having long held a special place with its partners. Other managers will now have to speak and assume more responsibilities.
Lautaro Martínez, Emiliano Martínez, Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo De Paul can participate in this new hierarchy. The goal will be to maintain the state of mind that has enabled this generation to win the greatest trophies while gradually giving the keys to young people.
A new story to write
Argentina therefore has the necessary foundation for its successful transition. However, she cannot live forever in Messi's memory. The next cycle will have to build its own references and heroes.
For two decades, the Albiceleste was associated with its number 10. Now, a new generation must take possession of this team. The post-Messi is not about looking for his replacement. It consists of discovering what the next great history of Argentina will be.
