Is Argentina Prepared For Life Without Lionel Messi?: ‘Nobody Will Be Ready’

In partnership with Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico has admitted “nobody will be ready” for Lionel Messi’s retirement as speculation grows around a romantic Barcelona return.The Lyon full-back, currently on international duty, reflected on Messi’s emotional Camp Nou visit and spoke about Argentina’s World Cup ambitions while hinting at uncertainty over whether the Inter Miami star could play again for the Blaugrana.Tagliafico reflects on Messi’s legacy and Camp Nou surpriseFew players have been closer to witnessing Messi’s enduring greatness than Tagliafico. As La Albiceleste prepare for their friendly against Angola, the Lyon defender spoke candidly about what Messi’s eventual farewell could mean for world football and why nobody, not even his teammates, can imagine the day he finally walks away.The 38-year-old’s recent midnight visit to Barcelona’s newly renovated Camp Nou reignited talk of a short-term return to his boyhood club. The Inter Miami star, currently in the MLS off-season, shared an emotional post about “missing the place with his soul,” leading fans to dream of one last dance in Catalonia.Tagliafico, though, admitted even Argentina’s dressing room remains uncertain about Messi’s next move or when the inevitable end will come.‘Nobody will be prepared for when Leo is gone’ – Tagliafico In an interview with Radio La Red, the former Ajax star spoke with both admiration and melancholy when asked about Messi’s possible retirement: “He’s been playing in Argentina for 20 years. It’s completely unusual. No one will be ready for Leo’s departure. He’ll decide when he’s no longer there. Maybe once he stops playing, he’ll stay on the coaching staff or have some role with the national team.”Turning to Messi’s surprise Camp Nou appearance, Tagliafico confessed that the squad were caught off guard by the images shared online — and admitted even he doesn’t know what the future holds for the World Cup-winning captain.The photo that he took in Camp Nou was the subject of a lot of attention because it was unexpected. Due to the Beckham Law, I do not know the current situation. I don’t even know what he is going to do. It’s also not easy, especially since the World Cup is so close. “I don’t believe it will be easy.”‘We have to prove it again’ – Tagliafico on Argentina’s World Cup mindsetThe veteran full-back also discussed Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup, urging calm despite their success under Lionel Scaloni and downplaying their tag as favorites.He said, “On a 1 to 10 scale, I would say we are about a 5.” “Not too little and not too much. Like the World Cup, we’re going one step at a tme.”He also reflected on the self-confidence and occasional arrogance that defines Argentina’s footballing culture: “We also seek it out, Argentinians, with that arrogance we have. We have to be world champions and prove it. But that zest, that mischief, is good too, because they will respect us in the end. They must respect us. They know what Argentina is capable of. Our effort earned it. Sometimes there’s a bit too much talk, but we’re fine, happy. I don’t understand if the words are anger or envy. The things are going well. We need to keep on working.”Finalissima still unclear ahead of the 2026 World Cup Tagliafico has also addressed reports about a Finalissima game between Argentina and Spain that could be played at Lusail Stadium, Doha. This is the same stadium where Messi won his World Cup victory in 2022.”There’s talk and rumors, but nothing is confirmed yet. If it happens, it’ll be a great match. Spain is currently one of the top teams in the world. In the end, those kinds of competitive matches will show you how the team is doing, but it’s also just one game; it might not reflect what could happen at the World Cup. I’m lucky enough to have played in World Cups, and that changes everything. The first game is different, it has different motivations. You might think. ‘If we beat Spain, we’ll be in a much better position.’He cautioned that early results shouldn’t be overinterpreted: “On the contrary. In preparation for Qatar, we beat Italy and lost our first match. It’s a huge difference. They’re a great opponent, that’s for sure. You can get a sense of their level, but it won’t change much for the World Cup.”While Spain’s participation depends on their qualification route, Argentina are already looking to maintain momentum heading into 2026 with Tagliafico’s words serving as a reminder that even amid speculation about Messi’s future, the Albiceleste’s focus remains firmly on defending their crown.
2025-11-12 23:55:14