The farewell to [Lionel Messi](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/lamine-yamal-preparado-para-suceder-lionel-messi-apos-vitoria-no-mundial-2026/) presents Argentina with an impossible challenge: how to replace the genius who defined a golden era in the country's football? Following the defeat in the final of the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine national team finds itself at a crossroads that could mark the end of two memorable eras, both linked to a name that transcends generations.
On July 19, 2026, in New Jersey, Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain, with [Lionel Messi](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/espanha-vence-o-mundial-com-defesa-historica-e-quase-sem-golos-sofridos/) starring in the final chapter of his international career. At 39 years old, the Argentine captain has not officially confirmed his retirement, but the words of coach [Lionel Scaloni](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/ferran-torres-marca-golo-que-deu-a-vitoria-no-mundial-2026-a-espanha/) left doubts in the air. Scaloni, visibly emotional at the post-match press conference, stated: “It is really painful. I’m very sorry.” He added, regarding his future: “I have more or less an idea of what I want to do. I will fulfill my contract and then we will see. I feel the need to think because I don’t know if we will be able to do something as great as this.”
THE 2026 WORLD CUP COMES TO LIFE WITH LEGO
Scaloni was a key figure in Argentina's transformation, leading the team to win the Copa América after 28 years and the World Cup 36 years later, both with Messi as the central figure. “He is 39 years old. For me, it was clear that he would play until he decided not to,” the coach commented on the captain, whose legacy includes six World Cups, 34 matches, 12 assists, and 21 goals, numbers that define a record and an era.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
However, the dependence on Messi was evident in the match against Spain, where the team registered only one shot on target in 120 minutes, highlighting the difficulty in creating opportunities without the genius of their leader. Scaloni also emphasized the enormous challenge of “restarting, creating a group like this again, which is very difficult,” acknowledging the complexity of replacing a player with Messi's impact.
The Argentine team, aged and filled with figures who will likely not be competing in 2030, now faces the difficult task of reinventing itself. Players like Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo de Paul, and Leandro Paredes will probably be absent in the next cycle, while Lautaro Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cristian Romero will be entering their thirties. The pressing question is whether emerging talents like Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez can thrive as a striking duo without the shadow of Messi.
Furthermore, the national team lacks explosive and creative wingers, such as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, to enliven the game on the flanks, or full-backs and defensive midfielders of the caliber of Javier Zanetti, Juan Pablo Sorin, or Javier Mascherano, who marked previous eras. The mystique of the legendary Argentine number 10, which Messi inherited from Diego Maradona, will continue to weigh on the expectations of the next owner of the jersey.
Looking ahead to 2030, the World Cup could be the first without Messi since 2002, a time when Argentina was eliminated in the group stage. Scaloni has adopted a different approach from Marcelo Bielsa nearly three decades ago, but the departure of the dual “Lionel” may signal the end of a unique era in the history of Argentine football. The country now faces the enigmatic question: how to build the future without its greatest icon?
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