Lionel Messi retired from international football last night, bringing the curtain down on a legendary Argentina career.
The greatest player of all time scored from the penalty spot in a 3-0 win against Benin in front of 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires. It’s a fitting final act for a man who gave Argentina everything, just months after the World Cup final defeat against Spain in New Jersey.
The 39-year-old put on a typical masterclass, setting up Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal, and later contributed to Nico Paz’s finish. ‘The Last Tango’ marked an incredible send-off to an incredible career, as Messi left the pitch in tears to a standing ovation.
For Argentina, a new era begins. And at the centre of it stands Julian Alvarez, who Arsenal pursued all summer.
A graphic reading: "Which player will Arsenal most regret not signing?!" Image shows Morgan Rogers, Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Jr and Victor Osimhen.
Credit: Getty Images/Jacques Feeney/Offside/Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP/Diego Souto/Ahmad Mora
Julian Alvarez is now Argentina’s star player
As we know, Arsenal were embroiled in a summer-long saga over Alvarez, biding their time and waiting to see if a move to Barcelona could not materialise.
Of course, that move didn’t happen, but the player already had his heart set on a move to the Catalan club, and was reluctant to return to England after leaving Manchester City in 2024.
Arsenal ended the summer without bringing in the marquee attacker Mikel Arteta had desired, but they’re still looking for one going into future windows. With January approaching, Atletico Madrid are interested in Noni Madueke, which could in itself open a potential swap deal route.
Now, without Messi, Alvarez becomes Argentina’s undisputed talisman. He will be the player the nation now rallies behind and the face of the next generation. That responsibility will surely only accelerate his development and increase his hunger.
Arsenal, being one of the most globally recognised clubs in the world, signing the new face of Argentine football in the post-Messi era, would generate an extraordinary level of interest across South America and beyond. There’s huge commercial and marketing appeal there.
But perhaps more importantly, Alvarez now has something to prove that goes beyond club football. Filling the void left by the greatest player who ever lived demands a certain kind of player. You have to be driven and motivated by legacy rather than just being comfortable. What greater legacy than being the player who drives Arsenal to their first ever Champions League title win?