Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni faces a major challenge as he prepares to reshape his side following Lionel Messi’s international retirement, with injuries to several key players adding to the uncertainty ahead of November’s friendlies. The world champions are scheduled to face Uruguay and Costa Rica without Messi, while the expected absence of forward Lautaro Martínez and goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez could further complicate their preparations.
Argentina confront a new era
Messi has brought an end to his 21-year international career, marking a significant turning point for Argentina. He reportedly made his farewell appearance in a friendly against Benin on 6 October, leaving Scaloni with the task of building a team capable of maintaining its competitive edge without one of football’s most influential players.
For years, Messi has been central to Argentina’s attacking play, contributing goals, creativity and leadership. His ability to create opportunities and influence decisive moments has made him difficult to replace. Scaloni must now consider how to redistribute those responsibilities while preserving the team’s attacking identity.
Lautaro Martínez was expected to take on a greater role in the forward line following Messi’s departure. However, his injury means Argentina will also be without one of their most experienced attacking options during the November international break.
The situation is made more difficult by the absence of Emiliano Martínez. The goalkeeper has played a crucial role in Argentina’s recent achievements, particularly through his performances in high-pressure matches. Finding suitable replacements for both players will be an important part of Scaloni’s preparations.
Uruguay and Costa Rica await in November
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced that Argentina will face Uruguay in Buenos Aires on 13 November before taking on Costa Rica in Córdoba on 17 November.
The match against Uruguay is planned for La Bombonera, the home ground of Boca Juniors, although the venue has yet to be confirmed.
Both fixtures will provide Scaloni with an opportunity to assess his squad’s depth and test alternative combinations. With several established players unavailable, the manager may need to give greater responsibility to those who have had fewer opportunities at international level.
The matches will also help Argentina evaluate how effectively the team can maintain its structure without Messi’s creativity and leadership. Uruguay, in particular, should provide a demanding test, while the Costa Rica fixture will offer another chance to assess the balance between attack and defence.
Lautaro Martínez ruled out with a muscle injury
Lautaro Martínez sustained an injury to the back of his left thigh while playing for Inter Milan. Medical examinations revealed a muscle strain, and his recovery is expected to take between four and six weeks.
That prognosis is likely to rule him out of both November friendlies, leaving Scaloni to consider alternative options at centre-forward.
José Manuel López and Santiago Castro are among the possible candidates to lead the attack. The manager could also call up another forward, depending on the squad’s requirements and the fitness of the available players.
Lautaro’s absence is significant because his contribution extends beyond goalscoring. He can hold up the ball, press opposing defenders and create space for teammates through his movement. These qualities have made him an important part of Argentina’s attacking system.
Without him, Scaloni may need to adjust the team’s approach in the final third. The upcoming fixtures could provide an opportunity to determine which alternative is best suited to the role and how Argentina can continue to create chances without one of their leading forwards.
Emiliano Martínez faces a spell on the sidelines
Argentina’s concerns also extend to the goalkeeping position following an injury to Emiliano Martínez. The goalkeeper reportedly fractured his jaw after a collision with defender Jarrad Branthwaite during a Premier League match involving Everton and Chelsea.
He received initial treatment on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher. He subsequently underwent surgery in hospital.
Martínez has become a key figure in Argentina’s recent success, earning recognition for his composure under pressure, shot-stopping ability and performances in penalty shoot-outs. His absence will therefore require Scaloni to make an important decision about who should take over between the posts.
Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso and Santiago Beltrán are among the potential alternatives, while Walter Benítez is also being considered. The final choice will depend on the manager’s assessment of their form, fitness and suitability for the role.
Whoever is selected will face the task of maintaining confidence and organisation at the back. Although Argentina have several goalkeeping options, replacing an established international such as Martínez will not be straightforward.
Defensive fitness remains a concern
Scaloni must also monitor the condition of central defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez.
Romero suffered an injury during Atlético Madrid’s 1–0 La Liga victory over Espanyol on Saturday. He experienced muscular discomfort in the second half and asked to be substituted. Subsequent examinations reportedly identified a minor injury to his adductor muscle.
He is expected to be sidelined for approximately 10 to 12 days. As the injury is not considered serious, there is hope that he will recover fully before the November international break.
His availability would be a welcome boost for Argentina, given his importance to the team’s defensive organisation. Romero’s physical presence, ability to challenge opposing forwards and understanding with his defensive partners make him a valuable part of Scaloni’s plans.
There is currently no major reported concern regarding the fitness of Lisandro Martínez. If both defenders are available for the November fixtures, Argentina should have a stronger foundation from which to build their defensive structure.
However, the coaching staff will need to monitor their recovery carefully. Any further setbacks could force Scaloni to reconsider his preferred defensive pairing at a time when the team is already dealing with several important absences.
A test of Argentina’s squad depth
The growing list of injuries presents Scaloni with a difficult selection challenge, but it also creates opportunities for other players to establish themselves in the national team.
Argentina must find solutions in three key areas: replacing Messi’s creativity, compensating for Lautaro Martínez’s absence in attack and maintaining defensive security without Emiliano Martínez in goal.
The manager’s task will be to make those adjustments without disrupting the team’s established playing style. Argentina’s recent achievements have been built on collective organisation, tactical discipline and the ability of individual players to deliver under pressure. Maintaining those qualities will be essential as the side adapts to a different combination of personnel.
The November friendlies could prove particularly valuable for players competing for places. Strong performances would give Scaloni a clearer understanding of the alternatives available to him and help the squad prepare for future international commitments.
Argentina therefore approach the two matches facing considerable uncertainty. Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Emiliano Martínez are expected to be unavailable, while the coaching staff will hope Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez remain on course to return in time.
How effectively Scaloni responds to these setbacks will be closely watched. The fixtures against Uruguay and Costa Rica will offer an early indication of Argentina’s ability to adapt to life without Messi and maintain their competitive standards despite the absence of several key figures.
