“He could be the one” - South American football expert names player who can replace Lionel Messi in Argentina national team
South American football expert Tim Vickery named Alejandro Garnacho as the player who could replace Lionel Messi in the Argentina national team. Garnacho has been in great form for Manchester United in the last couple of seasons.
Moreover, with Angel Di Maria's international retirement and Messi unavailable due to his injury, Garnacho could be significant for La Albiceleste. Garnacho did not start for Argentina in their last two World Cup qualifier games against Chile and Colombia.
In La Albiceleste's 1-0 victory over Chile, the winger came on as Lautaro Martinez's replacement in the 79th minute and assisted Dybala's third goal in stoppage time.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Vickery explained that the current Argentina squad playing in the September World Cup qualifiers is a glimpse at the future. He said:
"Messi is out injured, and you don’t know how long he’s going to be going on. So this is a glimpse at Argentina’s future, with Julian Alvarez in the Messi role. They did alright [against Chile and Colombia]. But without Messi and Di Maria, there is a lack in the final third of that fella who can dribble. The one who can break the lines and do something special."
Vickery claimed that Garnacho could be the third line-breaker in Argentina's squad in Messi's absence and continued:
“I think this is a big season coming up for Garnacho at United. He [Garnacho] could be the one; maybe not starting, maybe off the bench – but he could be the one. The line-breaker, if you like. So, a big season coming up for him.”
Lionel Messi has been focusing on his recovery off the pitch after injuring his ankle during the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia. The Argentine is expected to return for Inter Miami later this month and is expected to be available for Argentina's World Cup qualifying games in October.
"If I feel good, I will keep playing" - Lionel Messi made feelings clear about his retirement plans
In March, Lionel Messi spoke on the podcast Big Time about his plans for retirement. At 37, the Argentine is at the twilight of his career after winning every major trophy in football. Lionel Messi said (via NY Times):
"I know that as soon as I believe that I can no longer perform, or no longer enjoy the game, or not able to help my teammates, then I will stop. I am really self-critical; I know when I am good and when I am bad. So for my retirement, it will not matter what age I am. If I feel good, I will keep playing."
On being asked when he plans to retire, Lionel Messi continued:
“I have not yet thought about this, I am still focused on enjoying my football every day. I hope to continue playing for a while longer, that is my plan. After that, I will try to do something I like in a new role.”
The legendary forward also added that he would have retired from the Argentina national team had they not won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.