“Towards the future, those are the players” - Sergio Aguero names 3 Argentina players who can become leaders after Lionel Messi retires
Lionel Messi and Argentina are eyeing their second consecutive Copa America crown as they play their first knockout match against Ecuador on Friday (July 5). Ahead of this game, former player Sergio Aguero named three Argentine youngsters who he thinks can take upon the mantle of leadership once the 37-year-old icon retires from international football.
"In my opinion, our next leaders will be Julian Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez," Aguero said in an interview with Stake.com (via Daily Mail).
All three play in the Premier League and are indispensable to their respective clubs. Julian Alvarez won the Premier League title with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City for the second consecutive time this season. The Argentine number 9 can play as a conventional fox-in-the-box, second striker, or practically anywhere in the forward lineup. He has mostly functioned as a super sub for Manchester City, replacing Erling Haaland in the dying moments of matches.
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez will be looking to make a mark for Chelsea next season under their new manager Enzo Maresca. The 23-year-old is an expert at orchestrating the midfield and has an eye for crucial goals too.
Finally, Alexis Mac Allister's first season at Liverpool was impressive as he linked the attack to the defense and also scored some crucial goals for Jurgen Klopp's side. He will also be looking to flourish under Liverpool's new manager, Arne Slot.
Aguero further commented on the public consensus of Emiliano Martinez being the second-in-command after Messi's departure. According to the Argentine forward, leading from between the sticks is different from leading from other positions.
"'Some say Emiliano Martinez, but the goalkeeper's roles are different, they have a different type of leadership. But I think that towards the future, those are the players," explained Sergio Aguero.
La Albiceleste have won all their matches in the ongoing tournament and have justified their 'favorites' tag so far. Although Messi has recorded just one assist in the 2024 Copa America, other players have stepped up and proved that Argentina are much more than just the Messi show.
Lionel Messi is not in Argentina's squad for Paris Olympics 2024
Lionel Messi will not be in the squad for Argentina's Olympic 2024 campaign in Paris after Copa America 2024. The Argentine is already 37 years old and fans expect Copa America 2024 to be his last international tournament. The last time Lionel Messi participated in Olympic games was way back in 2008 when he won gold.
Olympic football squads are generally composed of Under-23 players, with three players from every side allowed to be beyond that age group. Under coach Javier Mascherano, the Argentine Olympic team will consist of four players from Argentina's 2022 World Cup winning squad, including Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi.
La Albiceleste will play in Group B along with Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine. Their first match will be against Morocco on July 24.