Argentina Proves It Can Thrive With or Without Messi
Talking about Argentina and Colombia right now, it’s impossible not to focus on something quite fascinating: Lionel Messi, the legendary number 10, might no longer be indispensable to the Argentine national team. Yes, you heard that right. That statement comes directly from head coach Lionel Scaloni, and it reflects a significant shift in the mindset of a team that for nearly two decades seemed to rise or fall depending on Messi’s presence on the pitch.
Now, let’s unpack this. Scaloni recently made headlines by saying, “We can play without Messi,” ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Colombia. This isn’t about downplaying Messi’s greatness. He’s a World Cup winner, an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, with 112 goals in 192 appearances for the national team. His legacy is cemented in history. But Scaloni’s point is that Argentina has matured. This team has learned to function cohesively, whether their talisman is on the field or not.
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When Messi was out due to injury in March, Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 and then went on to demolish Brazil 4-1. Those aren’t small wins—they’re the kind that define a generation. And here’s the kicker: they did it without having to revamp the system or make drastic changes. Scaloni said it himself—the team plays the same way now, with or without Messi.
Messi returned last week as a substitute against Chile, helping secure a 1-0 win, but it was clear the rhythm and strategy remained intact even without him being a starter. That’s a testament to Scaloni’s work as a coach and the depth of talent that Argentina currently enjoys. Players like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez have stepped up, and the squad looks more balanced and less dependent on individual brilliance.
As for Colombia, they’re fighting hard for a place in the 2026 World Cup, currently holding the last automatic qualifying spot. The match was always going to be intense, especially with Colombia looking to distance themselves from Venezuela in the standings. But for Argentina, already qualified, the focus is now on refining their style, testing squad depth, and yes, continuing to prove that the post-Messi era is not a threat—but an evolution.
So here we are, witnessing something that once seemed unthinkable: Argentina, playing great football, and winning, even without their greatest-ever player on the pitch. It’s not the end of Messi’s influence—but it’s a clear signal that his national team no longer lives and dies by his presence. That’s the sign of a world champion team growing beyond one man, even if that man is Lionel Messi.
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