Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho has been tipped to step into the limelight for Argentina as Lionel Messi’s career winds down.After winning the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi ticked off the final box in his career, and has since quit European football to play for Inter Miami in MLS.
Argentina are still calling on Messi as their talisman, with World Cup 2026 qualifiers underway, but there is an acceptance in his homeland that the country need to find a successor.It is Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho who is being touted to fill the void.
Alejandro Garnacho talked upThere is a worry in Argentina about the conditioning of Lionel Messi, who is now 36. He played only 35 minutes in Inter Miami’s final game of the MLS season, a defeat to FC Cincinnati.It is expected that even if Lionel Messi starts in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and then Peru, he won’t be able to complete both games. The last time he played 90 minutes was September 4.
Argentine newspaper La Nacion believe this could open an opportunity for Garnacho to step up.Their report reads: “The succession is open. Without Dybala (injured), or Papu Gómez (he was not called up from Qatar 2023), the race is open for those minutes that the Rosario player does not play. Against Paraguay and Peru, Garnacho seems to be the top candidate.”The report adds the Argentine coaching staff are excited about Garnacho’s ability and believe he can be a real asset.“They also know that he is a footballer with enormous talent, who can unbalance on either side (especially, the left), and that has the ability to open a party that appears very blocked and without room for individual talent. In this sense, the strong Paraguayan defense can be ideal prey for the devilish dribbles of the Argentine youth.”
Argentina are also without Angel di Maria for the upcoming qualifiers, and while Fiorentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez is expected to start in his place, Garnacho is right in the mix and competing for a starting spot alongside Messi, instead of just hoping to replace him.The report from La Nacion illustrates the high hopes for Garnacho in Argentina, as the journey to defend their World Cup in 2026 begins.
Lisandro Martinez sits out.
World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez is not part of the Argentina squad, due to his ongoing injury issues. Martinez underwent an operation on his foot injury and may not play again until 2024. Manchester United will be taking no chances, keen not to rush him back.
He will be hoping Garnacho can deliver for club and country during his absence.
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