What Lies Ahead for Argentina Without Lionel Messi?

On 6 October 2026, Lionel Messi played his farewell match for Argentina. At the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, the hosts defeated Benin 3–0, with the captain himself getting on the scoresheet. It marked the end of an era for the player who led the national team to victory at the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles. Lionel Scaloni now faces a difficult task: preserving Argentina's winning mentality while reshaping the attack without its chief creator.

We look at who will assume leadership and how Argentina will play without one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Argentina After Messi: What Will Change?

Messi was far more than a goalscorer for the national team. He dictated the direction of attacks, picked out unmarked team-mates and could decide a match with a single precise action. Even in games where Lionel saw little of the ball, opponents had to account for his presence.

Without their familiar number ten, Scaloni will have to distribute the creative responsibility among midfielders and forwards. Argentina could press with greater intensity and attack down the flanks more often. However, Messi's ability to create chances in tight spaces will be particularly difficult to replace.

Who Will Replace Messi in the Argentina Team?

The most intriguing candidate to become Argentina's new attacking playmaker is Nico Paz. He is comfortable between the lines, can carry the ball forward and unlock defences with his passing. Paz looks a logical choice for the attacking-midfield role in the revamped side.

Thiago Almada could compete for a place centrally or out wide. Franco Mastantuono offers a different set of qualities: cutting inside from the right, dribbling and shooting from outside the penalty area. Scaloni does not necessarily need to find a direct copy of Messi. What matters more is developing an understanding between several players.

The main options to replace Leo in Argentina's starting line-up are:

• Nico Paz
• Thiago Almada
• Franco Mastantuono
• Julián Álvarez
• Lautaro Martínez

Who Will Become Argentina's New Leader?

With Messi gone, responsibility will be shared among several experienced players. One of the leading candidates to become a leader is Lautaro Martínez. The striker knows how to find space in the box, hold up passes and finish attacks. His goalscoring ability will be especially important for a team that has lost its long-standing leading scorer.

Cristian Romero could become a pillar of the rebuilt team, both in defence and in the dressing room. The centre-back is known for his physical approach to duels, confidence and willingness to take responsibility. His role extends beyond protecting his own goal: the organisation of the first pass also affects the quality of Argentina's attacks.

Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández will remain key figures in midfield. Mac Allister helps control the tempo and play through pressure, while Fernández is responsible for progressing the ball and passing forward. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also retains considerable influence in the dressing room thanks to his experience, status and personality.

How Will Argentina Play Without Messi?

One of the main options is a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nico Paz operating behind the central striker. Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez could lead the line, with Giuliano Simeone and Thiago Almada on the wings. Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández would provide progression from deeper positions.

This set-up would make the most of Paz's strengths: receiving between the lines, making quick decisions and finding passes into the penalty area. Álvarez is valuable for his intensive pressing and off-the-ball movement, whereas Lautaro offers a more pronounced goal-finishing presence. Scaloni could choose a striker to suit the opponent or field both players together.

Romero will remain a vital figure in defence. With everyone fit, he could form a central defensive partnership with Lisandro Martínez.

Argentina's First Matches Without Messi

Argentina will host Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on 13 November. Kick-off is at 8:00 pm local time. The second friendly will take place on 17 November against Costa Rica at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba.

November's fixtures will be Argentina's first test after Messi's departure. Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández are included in the squad. Lautaro Martínez and Cristian Romero will miss the games through injury, so Scaloni will need temporary solutions in attack and defence.

The biggest point of interest is how Argentina will create chances without their familiar leader. The friendly results will not provide a definitive answer, but they should reveal the direction of the rebuild ahead of the next major tournament.

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