Argentina will host Benin in a friendly match next week, marking Lionel Messi’s formal farewell from international football. Before that, the national team will face Bolivia and Burkina Faso in two crucial games, offering a glimpse into a future without the player often described as the most influential in the sport. Messi's international career can be divided into two parts: the early years, when he was seen as an outsider, and the later period, when he became a national hero after reconsidering his 2016 retirement. That decision followed a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the Copa América final against Chile, which led to a public campaign urging him to return. Since then, Messi has helped Argentina win two Copa América titles, a World Cup, and another World Cup final, silencing critics who once said he could never match Diego Maradona’s legacy. The idea of life without Messi has been tested in high-pressure moments, such as a World Cup last-16 match against Egypt, where Argentina was trailing 2-0 with just 11 minutes remaining. Messi, known for his ability to change the course of a game, delivered a defining performance that led to a dramatic victory. This kind of moment—where a single player could seemingly turn the tide—has become a rare occurrence as Messi, now 39, prepares to step away. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has shown signs of growth even when Messi was absent, such as a 4-1 win over Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in March 2025, where the team’s cohesion and tactical flexibility were evident. Scaloni has indicated he will extend his contract, potentially leading Argentina through the 2028 Copa América and possibly the 2030 World Cup. This provides some stability, but it also signals the start of a new era. With Messi and Nicolás Otamendi retiring after the Benin match, Scaloni has selected a 35-man squad, many of whom were at the World Cup. However, with some players serving bans or considering their futures, the squad includes a number of younger players eager to prove themselves. The defensive positions, in particular, are seeing competition among emerging talents, with two 22-year-olds vying for a spot at full-back. Replacing Messi, both tactically and in terms of his influence on the team’s spirit, is a challenge that may not be fully achievable. While Argentina has demonstrated the potential to play with more collective flair, the reassurance of having a player who could single-handedly turn games around is something that will be deeply missed. As the team moves forward, the question remains whether the new generation can match the legacy Messi has left behind.