Argentina are set to lose some of their most important players (Image: Getty)
Argentina’s squad will look very different at the next World Cup, with a host of stars on the verge of international retirement. Their hopes of a second successive triumph ended in disgrace last weekend.
Argentina took their infamous darks to another level at the MetLife Stadium, deploying ultra-defensive, cynical tactics in a desperate bid to take a superior Spain side to penalties. The approach was close to working until Spain eventually breached the Argentine wall with Ferran Torres’s extra-time strike. Whether you admire or loathe their approach, there’s no denying the team has been successful. On top of their performances at the last two World Cups, they have also won back-to-back Copa Americas. However, they will soon have to cope without some of their most important players, and it’s not Lionel Messi who will be saying goodbye…
Nicolas Otamendi
The veteran defender, 38, has confirmed his international retirement since the World Cup final. In his fourth World Cup, Otamendi came off the bench against Spain.
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Writing on Instagram, he said: “Today I find myself writing the hardest words of my entire career.”
“I bid farewell to the Argentina national team, but I am immensely proud to have represented my country. Whilst titles go down in history, the love for these colours lasts a lifetime.”
The World Cup final was Nicolas Otamendi’s last match for his country (Image: Getty)
Emiliano Martinez
The Aston Villa keeper, 33, is pondering his international future. The defeat hit Martinez hard, to the point that he may have played his last match for his country.
He wrote on Instagram: “I dreamed that we won it back, I dreamed of bringing it to Argentina and making history once again. The truth is pain is difficult to explain, it remains to reflect on many things and see how it moves forward and if it’s time to take a step aside. I’m so sorry, really tried my best to help my country and my fellow countrymen.”
Given the longer shelf life of keepers, Martinez could have another World Cup in him and the lure of Argentina’s opening game in 2030 being at home – as part of the tournament’s centenary celebrations – will be strong. But it is clear Martinez is weighing up his future at international level.
Emiliano Martinez has dropped a hint over his international future (Image: Getty)
Leandro Paredes
Argentina’s midfield henchman was the main aggressor in the brawl that followed the final and could face retrospective punishment from FIFA, which has launched an investigation.
Paredes, who has already been back in action for Boca Juniors, will be 36 at the next World Cup and has hinted it may be time to move on from the international scene. He said: “We have to enjoy what we achieved in these eight years. It was a spectacular process. Surely we will fall when time passes because it is something incredible.”
Lionel Messi
Paredes has also had his say on the future of his most illustrious team-mate, who has surely played in his last World Cup. Messi, who was in tears straight after the match, may have also represented his country for the final time.
Paredes said: “It hurts because I think we said it throughout the World Cup – we didn’t want his last game to come. I think he had already decided that this would be his last game with the national team. I hope not. It’ll be his decision, and whatever he decides, if it makes him happy, it’ll make us happy too.”