Multiple outlets report that Lionel Messi’s likely retirement has become the key question for Argentina following the team’s World Cup run. Both pieces frame the moment as an endpoint to a “golden era,” with Messi’s future at the center of Argentina’s planning. While Messi is described as appearing set on retiring after the World Cup final, the articles note that even if he steps back, Argentina faces challenges that go beyond his personal choice.
In particular, the coverage highlights the difficulty of replacing Messi’s unique impact on the field, given his role in chance creation, decision-making, and leadership. The reports also connect this issue to broader squad and team questions that Argentina must address after a cycle built around his presence. In both sources, the “impossible” aspect refers to the need to restructure the team in a way that maintains competitive performance without the same player profile. The articles emphasize that Argentina’s next phase requires both footballing adjustments and longer-term planning following a campaign that ends with disappointment in the final.
