Lionel Messi has not played soccer since mid-July after the Inter Miami attacker was injured in Argentina’s Copa America final against Colombia.
The 37-year-old forward twisted his ankle, keeping Messi out of action since with the veteran Ballon d’Or holder since missing numerous games for Inter Miami as well as this month’s international break with Argentina.
With Inter Miami manager Tata Martino confident Messi will be back this weekend, though, the former FC Barcelona superstar will soon be back in action having not played for his MLS side since the start of June before the Copa America.
And Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni as now shared how he is coping without Messi.
Argentina coping without Messi despite ‘difficult’ transition
Speaking to the press, the FIFA World Cup-winning manager shared that Argentina have what it takes to cope without Messi, though it is difficult given how unique and brilliant the Inter Miami star is.
Messi was key to Argentina’s Copa America win this summer 18 months after the 37-year-old inspired the South American giants to success at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
And for Scaloni, Argentina are learning to move on from Messi, though replacing the Inter Miami captain is going to be a hard task for the reigning world champions given how influential the forward is for his national team.
“It’s difficult for a team not to depend on Messi in terms of football because he’s a unique player. But this team has a game idea beyond who plays. Everyone plays the same thing. That helps. When Leo isn’t there we do the same thing without that final touch that he has.”
Argentina are about the enter a brave new world without their iconic no. 10
Messi has been part of the Argentina setup for almost 20 years, with the forward his nation’s greatest-ever player and a key reason behind their success in the Copa America and World Cup.
Yet with Messi missing this international break, Argentina are soon about to enter a brave new world without their legendary captain in what will be a new era for the South American giants.
Indeed, Messi is coming to the end of his tenure on the international stage, and Argentina have to prepare for how they’re going to replace the 37-year-old in the coming years.