Messi Snubbed Again: Argentina Manager Reveals Player Choices, And The Flashy Forward Isn't Included

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-05-14 20:59:52 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-08 00:18:51

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No Messi, no problem. At least, that's what Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is implying, naming his top three players in the national squad, in a surprising exclusion of the country's most famed footballer. But the real shock came with the announcement of the squad for the next set of matches, with Lionel Messi's name missing from the list. Is this a tactical move or a sign of things to come?

Scaloni, who took over the Argentina team after the last World Cup, has been vocal about his preference for a new squad, with an eye on the future. And his comments on the current roster of players align with that vision. In a surprising twist, Scaloni revealed his preferences for three different players, none of which was Messi. "I would take Lo Celso, who is a midfielder and does what few do in the world. I would also take Martinez and Aston Villa's Emi Buendia," Scaloni said.

While Martinez and Lo Celso have had their moments in an Argentina shirt, Buenia, who is on loan at Aston Villa from Norwich City, has only featured for the senior team once. His lone cap came in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Bolivia in October 2021. This sparked rumours of a fallout between Messi and Scaloni, with many speculating that the manager's comments were a thinly veiled snub of the 34-year-old.

But Scaloni insists that Messi remains an integral part of his plans. In a recent press conference, the manager stated that "Messi is always important, he is the best player in the world. But we must cope without him, and we are doing it well." With a glimpse of the future sans Messi, it seems Argentina is preparing for a post-Messi era.

And it seems that era is here. On November 15, Scaloni named his squad for the next set of matches, and Lionel Messi's name was nowhere to be seen. While there had been speculation that this was the start of Messi's retirement from the national team, especially following Argentina's disappointing World Cup campaign, no one was quite prepared for this. Not selecting Messi for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has shocked the football world, but it gives a chance to the next generation to step up and prove themselves.

Conclusion:

Today, Argentina stands at a crossroads without its legendary captain. But perhaps this moment gives rise to a new era of Argentinian football, a vision of which is beginning to be unveiled. With a eye on an ever-changing future, the moves by Scaloni reveal an intent to develop a new generation of players and though it may be a steep transition without the flair and skill of Messi, perhaps the team will evolve beyond its iconic captain's shadow.

Go!