Argentina faces big challenges in the qualifiers without Messi: who will take the lead?

The Argentine national football team has announced its official list of call-ups for the double matchday of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, and the big surprise is the absence of its captain, Lionel Messi. This news has sparked intense debate among fans and sports experts, who are questioning how the absence of the Argentine star will affect the upcoming matches against Chile and Colombia. Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of the team, has called up a group of players who will seek to maintain the team's strong performance on the road to the next World Cup. However, Messi's absence, who has been the driving force of the team in recent years, poses a significant challenge. Since the Copa América final, where Argentina claimed the title against Colombia thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martínez, the captain has not seen action due to an injury that has kept him off the field. The message behind this call-up is clear: Scaloni trusts his players to face two challenging opponents. The national team has shown that, despite the absence of figures like Messi, the squad boasts emerging talent and cohesion that allows them to compete at a high level. Players like Lautaro Martínez, who stood out in the Copa América final, and other young talents carry the responsibility of leading the Argentine attack. The match against Chile, a South American classic, will be crucial not only because of the rivalry between the two teams but also due to the need to earn points in the qualifying table. The Chilean national team, with its own group of stars, will seek to take advantage of Messi's absence to secure a home victory. For Argentina, every match counts, and dropping points in this phase could deal a significant blow to their World Cup aspirations. On the other hand, the match against Colombia will also be an important test. The Colombian team, although it has not had the best start in the qualifiers, has always been a tough opponent for any team. Messi's absence will likely motivate the Argentine players to give an extra effort on the field, aiming to prove that the team can compete without their captain. The Argentine fans, although disappointed by the absence of their idol, continue to show their support for the team. Social media has been flooded with messages of encouragement, and many believe this is an opportunity for other players to shine and take on a larger role within the squad. Situations where the biggest stars are absent often reveal other talents. As for the tactics that Scaloni might employ, it is expected that the coach will explore different formations and strategies to maximize his squad's potential. Stability in midfield and the connection between forwards will be key to generating goal-scoring opportunities while maintaining the defensive solidity that has characterized the team in recent competitions. Additionally, managing pressure will be crucial in these matches. Without Messi, the narrative changes, and attention shifts to other players. This is a unique opportunity for some of them to become heroes in the minds of fans and in the history of Argentine football. The desire to uphold the legacy of the 'Albiceleste' is a strong motivator. Messi's return remains uncertain, and his health is the priority. However, his absence could be the catalyst that leads the Argentine national team to discover new dynamics of play and strengthen team unity. The history of football is full of unexpected chapters, and this could be one of those moments where the team demonstrates that, despite the absence of its most iconic figure, it continues to fight for a shared dream: qualification for the 2026 World Cup. With all this in mind, Argentina's upcoming matches will be followed with great attention and expectation. The fans, while feeling the void left by Messi, do not lose hope and continue to cheer for their team. In the world of football, surprises are constant, and perhaps this absence marks the beginning of a new era for the Argentine national team.