Argentina don start di process of life after Lionel Messi, but nobody don collect di iconic No. 10 jersey yet. Di team go face Bolivia for friendly match on Wednesday for Córdoba, and na di first test for di post-Messi era. Coach Lionel Scaloni talk say him no dey rush to answer who go wear di number.
Messi, 39-year-old legend, set to play him farewell match for Argentina next week against Benin for Monumental. Him no go play Argentina first two games for dis international break. Scaloni confirm for Tuesday press conference say no player go wear No. 10 for now. ‘We aren’t obligated to assign it for these matches, so we won’t give it to anyone until Leo’s farewell game,’ di coach talk. ‘The idea is for someone to eventually take it on, given how special it is to wear. We just haven’t decided who yet.’
Messi announce end of him international career for late August. For him final World Cup, di sixth of him career, him play eight matches and score eight goals. He finish him national team career as Argentina all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, 21 of which come for World Cup tournaments. Him lift 2022 World Cup and play 207 appearances for Argentina.
Scaloni say Argentina go find new way to play without Messi. ‘We’ll find a way to play differently,’ him talk. ‘That’s what these matches are for — to experiment. That said, our core style still revolves around controlling the ball. From there, we’ll see how we adapt.’
For di game against Bolivia at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, Scaloni opt to field strikers Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together up front, one tactical combination him previously avoid. Argentina expected to field most players who feature for World Cup final against Spain, which Argentina lose 1-0. Anticipated changes include Agustín Giay starting for right-back, Exequiel Palacios replacing suspended Enzo Fernández after him red card for di final, and Valentín Barco slotting in as third midfielder. Nicolás Paz, who dey play for Italy side Como, go take playmaking duties in Messi absence.
Scaloni also dey close to renew him contract, which set to expire on Dec. 31. Him meet Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia to negotiate extension through 2030 World Cup, which Argentina go co-host. ‘The important thing is that the desire is there,’ di coach talk. ‘I had to step back, re-evaluate, and look closely at the sporting side alongside the financial aspects. I needed to analyze what lies ahead. In the end, we’re excited about the future, and that shared enthusiasm paved the way toward an agreement.’
Scaloni bin hint say him fit step down after World Cup final defeat on July 19, but him decide to stay. ‘We will always compete — I am certain of that — which is why I decided to stay,’ him talk. ‘We see the talent coming through and the hunger to be here. Not a single player turned down a call-up for this window, which is a great sign. We are guaranteed to compete against anyone, and I have no doubt we will perform at a high level.’
For di international window, Argentina name 28-man roster. Juan Foyth and Thiago Almada withdraw due to injury, while Nicolás Tagliafico dey deal with muscle issue but dem never rule am out of Wednesday clash. Cristian Romero don be named Messi successor as captain, and him expected to wear armband. Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso go join di squad for Messi farewell outing next week.
Argentina go play Bolivia for Wednesday for Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, then face Burkina Faso on Sunday. After dat, attention go turn to Buenos Aires for Messi farewell match against Benin for Monumental.
