Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine football star, was seen shedding tears as he left the Copa América final prematurely due to a severe injury in his right ankle. Despite the physical pain, the emotional distress was evident on Messi’s face, highlighting the deeper impact of his exit on his aspirations for the future.
This Copa América victory was significant for Messi, as he described it as one of his “last battles.” However, the 37-year-old player’s inability to pass the fitness test following the injury has put his participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup in jeopardy. Despite his absence, Argentina managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Colombia in extra time to defend their South American title.
Messi’s journey in the Copa América was marred by injuries, with muscular issues affecting his performance in previous matches. His departure from the final not only affected him personally but also raised questions about his potential retirement from the national team.
While Messi’s future remains uncertain, Argentina has a promising roster of young talents who can step up in his absence. Players like Alejandro Garnacho, Valentín Carboni, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri, and Valentín Barco may not match Messi’s caliber, but they offer hope for the team’s future competitiveness.
Despite the absence of seasoned players like Ángel Di María, Nicolás Otamendi, and Franco Armani, Argentina’s squad boasts an average age of 28, indicating a blend of experience and youth. Coach Lionel Scaloni expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and evolve even without Messi’s leadership on the field.
Looking ahead, Argentina’s focus shifts to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia in September. These matches will provide further insights into the team’s performance and potential trajectory as they prepare to defend their title in 2026.
As Messi’s injury puts his World Cup aspirations on hold, the football world eagerly awaits his next move and the impact it will have on Argentina’s future in international competitions. The legacy of this football icon continues to evolve, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter in Argentine football history.