Don't Cry For Him Argentina

After what seems like forever; Lionel Messi will finally be retiring from international football. It has been a long time coming; but frankly I think the time has come. After marvelous performances in the recent World Cup group phase; his influence had steadily declined & he was almost non-existent in the final against Spain. His stamina and speed are nowhere near what it once was; and you can only rely so much on defence-splitting passes; kind of like Wayne Rooney playing defensive midfielder; if you know what I mean.

He will be remembered for his nearly journey in the 2014 World Cup; when they reached the final only to lose to the inevitable champion Germany; and it was 8 years later when he finally reached the Promised Land; winning the title after a dramatic final against France. Lionel Scaloni has built a strong team ethic around Messi; with players willing to do the dirty work and allowing him to shine; not least the Premier League duo of Enzo Fernandez & Alexis Mac Allister.

As is always the case; Argentina will have no shortage of new talents to replace Messi. Julian Alvarez is now a bona fide world star; and Lautaro Martinez is one of the most-feared strikers in the world. Add to the mix new captain Cristian Romero; goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and new talents Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono; and the future continues to look rosy for the Albiceleste.