Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has made a significant statement about the team's evolution, claiming that Lionel Messi is no longer a "necessity" for the team to perform at its best.
"The team is now in a moment where it can play in the same way with Leo or without Leo, which used to be more complex in the past as we had to change some players," Scaloni explained.
"But now we don't have this necessity and the team works in the same way, that's good," he added, highlighting the tactical flexibility the squad has developed.
Messi's Legacy and Future
Messi, who turns 38 on June 24, has been the cornerstone of Argentina's success for nearly two decades. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has netted an impressive 112 goals in 192 appearances for the Albiceleste and has led the nation to one World Cup trophy and two Copa America titles.
Scaloni's comments suggest he is already preparing for the eventual transition to a post-Messi era, though the star player remains active with the national team.
Recent Success Without Messi
Argentina has already demonstrated their capability to perform without their captain, securing victories against regional powerhouses Uruguay and Brazil in Messi's absence. These wins have helped Argentina book their place in the 2026 World Cup, further validating Scaloni's assessment of the team's evolution.
The development represents a significant shift for Argentina, which has often been characterized as overly dependent on Messi's brilliance, particularly during major tournaments.
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