The Argentine National Team is preparing to face a period of changes after the 2026 World Cup. In this context, Lautaro Martínez analyzed the future of the team and referred to the imminent end of Lionel Messi's era with the albiceleste jersey.
The Inter Milan forward avoided anticipating the captain's farewell and emphasized that there is still one last appearance left. “He hasn't left yet, there’s the last match and then we’ll see,” he expressed.
The striker also focused on the mark that Messi will leave on the national team after so many years as a reference. “The legacy he left remains,” he added.
The new process of the Argentine National Team
The renewal of the squad will be one of the main challenges for Argentina after the departure of several of its key players. For Martínez, the team will need to combine players who have been in the national team for several years with new generations.
“Then we have all the kids who are always contributing and the new people,” explained the forward.
In this sense, the former Racing player considered that the start of this new phase should be approached with the same logic as any other cycle of the Albiceleste: “We have to start from scratch, like in every process.”
The striker also highlighted the potential of the players who are beginning to gain prominence in the Argentine National Team. “There are many interesting kids,” he noted.
The legacy of Messi, Otamendi, and Ángel
Beyond the renewal, Martínez emphasized that several members of the current squad have experience that can be decisive for the continuity of the team.
“But some of us come from playing two World Cups, in the end, that’s what’s important: to continue with the legacy of Leo, Otamendi, and Ángel,” assured the “Toro.”
The upcoming matches for Argentina
The Albiceleste will face its upcoming commitments at home, in the first matches following the defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup. The schedule includes friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, with matches scheduled in Córdoba, La Bombonera, and the Monumental, respectively.
Regarding what’s next, Lautaro Martínez called to enjoy the process and take on the challenge of representing the national team again. “We have to keep enjoying. It will be an important process for us too,” he acknowledged.
