Scaloni has a plan for Argentina's post-Messi era
Lionel Scaloni knows young talents like Leonel Flores and Franco Mastantuono must be nurtured if Argentina is to continue being successful in the post-Lionel Messi era.
Argentina was victorious in its first game since Messi announced his international retirement, beating Bolivia 4-0 in a midweek friendly in Cordoba.
Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero, who has succeeded Messi as the Albiceleste's captain, and Flaco Lopez were all on target in a dominant success for the 2026 FIFA World Cup runner-up, which will host Burkina Faso in its next friendly on Sunday (AEST).
It will then welcome Messi back into its ranks for one final time, as he wins his 208th cap in a farewell game against Benin on 7 October (AEST).
As Argentina prepares to celebrate the career of its 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning captain, Scaloni has brought several young players into his ranks, with 19-year-old Boca Juniors winger Flores making his debut as a substitute against Bolivia.
He attempted and completed two dribbles in his late cameo, drew one strong save from Guillermo Viscarra and created one chance for a team-mate.
Fellow substitute Mastantuono also impressed out wide, with the Real Madrid youngster matching Paz's game-high tally of three chances created.
Scaloni is excited by the potential of Argentina's next generation, saying: "We ask the young lads to produce what they do for their clubs.
"If they came here and didn't, that's when we'd be concerned.
"Leo does it very well, and we have to protect him. We need to stay close to him and manage him properly. They know how to handle him at Boca.
"He is a talent who must be nurtured, just like Franco. That is the only way they will bear fruit.
"It would be incredible if he produced every match what he showed today in 10 minutes, but we must keep our calm. On our part, we will always take care of him."
Striker Martinez, who made seven appearances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and scored three goals, including the stoppage-time winner to eliminate England in the semi-finals, believes the mood around the camp is as strong as ever, even with so many changes taking place.
"It's always a great feeling to put on this jersey," Martinez said.
"It's a new process, it's time to work again today, and the experience of those of us who have already played in World Cups will help. We met up again and the energy was still the same."
