Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Messi's Departure Forces Argentina Into A Post-Golden-Era Rebuild
Lionel Messi has stopped playing international football for Argentina.
He wore Argentina's famous number 10 shirt for 21 years.
During his final years, Argentina won three important trophies, including the 2022 World Cup.
Now the team must find new leaders and goal scorers.
Coach Lionel Scaloni is also unsure whether he will stay after his contract ends.
Several older players may retire too.
Argentina still has strong players such as Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister.
Younger players including Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone and Franco Mastantuono may receive bigger opportunities.
Argentina hopes to win another Copa América in 2028 and compete strongly at the 2030 World Cup.
Lionel Messi has retired from international football after 21 years with Argentina.
Argentina won three major titles during Messi's late-career golden era, including the 2022 World Cup.
Coach Lionel Scaloni and several veteran players face uncertain international futures.
Only two of Argentina's 17 players from the 2030 World Cup final are currently under 30.
Argentina will target a third consecutive Copa América title in 2028 while developing younger players.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni, Argentina and its next generation of players.
- What
- Messi has retired internationally, leaving Argentina to rebuild after a highly successful period.
- When
- Messi's number 10 shirt was vacated on Monday; Argentina's next targets are the 2028 Copa América and 2030 World Cup.
- Where
- The transition concerns Argentina; the 2030 World Cup will be largely held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Argentina hosting one match.
- Why
- Messi said he had given everything and that younger players deserved their chance, while Argentina must also replace ageing players and potentially its coach.
Rebuild Concerns
Youthful Optimism
Post-Messi leadership
Rebuild Concerns
Leandro Paredes said it will be difficult for everything to keep working as before without Messi.
Youthful Optimism
Messi said great young players are emerging and deserve opportunities.
Squad continuity
Rebuild Concerns
Only two of the 17 players who appeared in the latest World Cup final will be under 30 when the 2030 tournament begins, while Nicolás Otamendi has retired and other veterans may follow.
Youthful Optimism
Argentina still has established defenders and midfielders, while Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez could gain more space in attack.
Coaching future
Rebuild Concerns
Lionel Scaloni cast doubt on his future after the final and needs time to decide whether he can achieve something equally great again.
Youthful Optimism
Scaloni said he would honor his contract, leaving open the possibility that he could continue through the transition.
- Messi's Argentina record
- 125 goals in 207 appearances
- Messi's international tenure
- 21 years
- Major titles during golden era
- Three, including the 2022 World Cup
- Scaloni's contract
- Runs through December
- Argentina's 2030 qualification
- Argentina will qualify automatically as one of three South American hosts of a match
- Next major target
- A third consecutive Copa América title in 2028
- Argentina's recent final
- A 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final in July