Following the final against Spain at the 2026 World Cup, the Argentina national team finds itself at an inevitable turning point.

After a historic era brimming with titles and glory, the time has come to reshuffle the pack and start afresh.

The ‘Albiceleste’ are embarking on a major overhaul ahead of the coming years, during which they will have to balance the departure of their star players with the emergence of a new generation.

The legends set to say ‘goodbye’

2026 will mark the end of an unforgettable era for key figures in the Argentine national team’s recent history.

Although official decisions are yet to be confirmed in the coming months, the players considering their departure from the ‘Albiceleste’ are:

- Lionel Messi: The captain hinted in the run-up to the tournament that this would be his final World Cup. At 39, an official announcement is still pending as to whether he will continue to wear the national shirt or bring his time with the national team to a close.

- Nicolás Otamendi: The experienced centre-back hinted that this World Cup marked the end of his time with the Albiceleste. His departure will leave a gap in central defence that will require new leadership.

- Emiliano Martínez: He surprised everyone after the final by casting doubt on his future with the team. His comments about the possibility of stepping aside have left a major question mark hanging over the Argentine goal.

- Lionel Scaloni: The head coach confirmed that he will see out his contract until December 2026. However, he revealed his intention to take a break from 2027 onwards, which would mean a replacement would need to be found to kick off the new cycle.

Who could be the new leaders?

The generational handover is not starting from scratch. Argentina has a group of players who are firmly established in European elite football and who are set to take on the leadership role as the team builds towards the 2030 World Cup.

By virtue of their age, experience, current form and having been part of the current project from the outset, they are all well-placed to become the undisputed role models for the new generations.

Among them, three players stand out – all of whom have already been nominated for the Ballon d'Or – and who are set to take over from the legends who may be saying ‘goodbye’ in the near future:

  • Lautaro Martínez: At 28 years of age and with four ‘Ballon d'Or’ nominations to his name, the Inter Milan captain is set to become the team’s leading attacking force and its commanding voice.

  • Julián Álvarez: Alongside him, the 26-year-old Atlético Madrid forward, who was nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2023, will bring his versatility, constant pressing and leadership to spearhead the attack.

  • Alexis Mac Allister: A key player for Liverpool at the age of 27 and a nominee for the Ballon d'Or in 2025, the Pampean will take on the role of tactical mastermind, ensuring balance and distribution in midfield.

  • Enzo Fernández: The Chelsea midfielder, aged just 25, will be the team’s main playmaker, bringing vision, international experience and dynamism to the centre of the park.

  • Cristian 'Cuti' Romero: Following a superb World Cup, the Tottenham centre-back will take on full leadership as a defensive linchpin at the age of 28, bringing character and solidity to the back line.

  • Lisandro Martínez: As his defensive partner, the 28-year-old centre-back, currently at Manchester United, will use his anticipation and excellent distribution to lead the back line.

All of them will be around 30 years old by the time of the 2030 World Cup, which will be held mainly in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, though some matches could take place in South America.

The future stars of the Argentina national team

Behind this core group, a crop of young talent is emerging that will form part of the long-term project and bring new blood to the squad.

The following players are taking their first steps at the highest level of football and, to varying degrees, will become key players for the national team.

  • Nico Paz: 21 years old (Como 1907)

  • Valentín Barco: 22 years old (Racing Strasbourg/Chelsea)

  • Alejandro Garnacho: 22 years old (Chelsea/Aston Villa)

  • Máximo Perrone: 23 years old (Como 1907)

  • Gianluca Prestianni: 20 years old (SL Benfica)

  • Franco Mastantuono: 18 years old (Real Madrid)

  • Claudio Echeverri: 20 years old (Manchester City)

  • Aaron Anselmino: 21 years old (Racing Strasbourg)

  • Santiago Beltrán: 22 years old (River Plate)

What lies on the horizon?

The rebuilding of the Argentina national team presents a rather interesting challenge following years of consecutive success.

This transition is underpinned by players at the peak of their powers and a pool of young talent that bodes well for the future.

The road to the 2030 World Cup has already begun, and the ‘Albiceleste’ have everything it takes to remain at the forefront of the elite.

Now, in the short term, it remains to be seen what will happen with the futures of Messi, Otamendi, ‘Dibu’ Martínez, Scaloni and the rest of the squad.

The bar is set very high, but there is no doubt that the outlook appears positive for the current World Cup runners-up.