This week, Leo Messi took one last bow, roughly ten years after first retiring from international football.
This time, it seems to be the case for good. And the note is fitting: the little maestro has completed football with his Copa Amรฉrica and World Cup triumphs with the Albiceleste, and against Benin last night he finished his national team stint in quintessential fashion as Argentina scored three goals: he assisted for the first two, and scored the third himself.
Now, however, one must ask the obvious question: where do Argentina go from here? Whoโs next?
For a nation brought up on the idea of destiny and a messianic figure bringing the deliverance, Argentina has always sought an idol. In living memory, there was Diego Maradona, the carasucio destined for greatness right from the beginning who delivered glory with a troubled life caressed with a godly touch. Then came Leo Messi, the next in the long line of โthe next Maradonasโ, who took the responsibility from a very early age and, after several heartbreaks and a brief sabbatical, finally delivered on his promise.
Now, Argentina needs someone else. He may not need to be a diminutive and charismatic left-footed attacker, but a figurehead the team and the country at large can really behind. A conduit capable of being the rallying force and coming through on the back of unimaginable pressure.
Here, we bring you three big names along with an honourable mention, players we believe could take over the role from Messi in the long term.
Leonel Flores (Honorable Mention)
Leonel Flores is arguably too raw and young to take over a leadership and symbolic role, but with that name any player needs to brace for the inevitable comparison and expectations.
The Boca Juniors forward can play both centrally and out wide, especially on the right, and was part of Argentinaโs squad for the Messi farewell tour, featuring in all three of their friendlies.
The fact that Brighton are already looking to make Boca an offer for him is proof enough that here we have a player of substance. As weโll see with our main candidates, the right move would work wonder for his prospects with the national team.
Franco Mastantuono
Franco Mastantuono is in many ways Argentinaโs answer to Brazil Endrick. Both these Real Madrid starlets carry the hope of emulating their respective countryโs greats and take their national team to the promised land. Both have also struggled ever since moving to the Bernabรฉu.
Just as Endrick has felt at home in Europe only during his loan spell with Lyon last season, Mastantuono is finding his feet at Fiorentina after a trying debut season for Los Blancos last time out.
The tricky bit for any young Argentine star who draws comparisons with Messi is that the latter was only 22 when he lifted his first Ballon dโOr; they usually donโt get much time to grow and prove themselves. And while players canโt always emulate the past greats in a congruent manner, in this case Messiโs legacy does put that extra pressure on them.
For Mastantuono, getting playing minutes will be key. Ever since Paolo Vanoliโs return to Florence, he has looked like a man on a mission. Heโd do better to keep playing and shining for smaller teams instead of warming the bench at Real Madrid, especially if he is to be the next great hope for his nation.
Juliรกn Alvarez
Juliรกn Alvarez may not have Leo Messiโs numbers โ few do, and they can be forgiven for that โ but he did complete football at 22, which is how old he was when Argentina won the World Cup, a year after winning the Copa Amรฉrica, and he was part of the national squad on both occasions. By the end of that very season, he had won the Champions League as part of a historic treble with Man City.
At City, Alvarez was regarded as a versatile, promising forward. At Atletico Madrid, he has seemingly fulfilled that promise and, as we saw in the summer, desperate for his next big move.
The 26-year-old is in the prime of his life, already has numerous accolades to his name, knows how to deal with huge expectations and big-game pressure, and is ready to be the main guy for not just Argentina, but also Messiโs hallowed hunting grounds at Barรงa.
Nico Paz
Nico Paz is the current embodiment of Comoโs allure in football. Heโs also an example to the likes of Mastantuono, showcasing that shining through performances on the pitch is more important than just being associated with Real Madrid; if all goes to plan, all roads lead to the Bernabรฉu anyway.
Como pulled off a masterstroke by signing a new deal with Real Madrid to keep Paz for longer, having also handed him the No. 10 shirt. And he has delivered on the faith showed in him. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder already has a goal and three assists for the Lariani this season and was also the recipient of one of the Messi assists against Benin.
By the time the next World Cup comes around in 2030, Juliรกn Alvarez will be a veteran, and Paz will be in the prime of his life. We have seen how at PSG Kylian Mbappรฉ usurped Neymar right when the latter thought he had the chance of shining on his own by stepping out of Messiโs shadow. It wonโt be much surprising if the same happens with Paz and Alvarez; timing, after all, is the most important thing of all.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
