Lautaro Martinez urges Argentina to build beyond Messi farewell
Lautaro Martinez has called on Argentina’s next generation to carry Lionel Messi’s legacy forward, with the world champions preparing for the captain’s scheduled farewell appearance next month.
Argentina prepare for Messi goodbye
The Inter captain said the squad must begin a new cycle once Messi’s international chapter closes, while experienced players help younger talent settle into the group.
“He has not gone yet. There is still one match to play, then we will see,” Martinez said when asked about Messi’s impending final game for Argentina.
Martinez stressed that the task after Messi’s departure will be to preserve the standards set by the current era. He pointed to the influence of Messi, Nicolas Otamendi and Angel Di Maria, while highlighting the mix of emerging players and squad members with two World Cups behind them.
“The legacy is there, alongside those of us who have been involved and the new players coming through,” he said. “Every cycle has to begin again.”
The forward added that Argentina have “important, exciting” young players, but accepted the weight of expectation on the team. “It will be a major process for us too. We will give everything for the national side, as always.”
October friendly schedule
- Argentina are due to face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30, in the first of two friendlies without Messi.
- Three days later, Scaloni’s side will host Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires.
- Messi is then set for his official Argentina farewell against Benin at Estadio Monumental on October 6.
The fixtures offer Lionel Scaloni a chance to test his squad’s post-Messi direction before the new international cycle takes shape.
Martinez returns to Racing
During the FIFA international window, Martinez also made an emotional return to Racing’s El Cilindro to attend the Avellaneda reserve derby against Independiente.
Racing president Diego Milito welcomed the Inter striker at the stadium where Martinez began his senior career. Martinez replaced Milito on his professional debut in November 2015, before leaving for Italy in July 2018.
