Who will sub in for Lionel Messi?

Who will sub in for Lionel Messi?

As the 2024 Copa America kicks off in the United States, Argentina’s national team, under the stewardship of Lionel Scaloni, is undergoing a dynamic transformation. Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2022 Finalissima, is now ushering in a new generation of talent aimed at continuing the nation’s footballing legacy.

This new wave of players includes promising youngsters like Nicolas Valentini, Valentin Barco, Facundo Buonanotte, and Valentin Carboni. These players are set to showcase their talents in Argentina’s upcoming friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica, providing a glimpse into the future of La Albiceleste.

Nicolas Valentini – Boca Juniors

Nicolas Valentini, a 21-year-old center-back from Boca Juniors, has demonstrated exceptional physical prowess and technical skill. Comfortable in both four-man and five-man defensive setups, Valentini played a crucial role in Argentina’s U-23 team securing their spot at the Olympics under Javier Mascherano’s guidance. With an injury to Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, Valentini has a prime opportunity to cement his place in the senior team.

Valentin Barco – Brighton & Hove Albion

Valentin Barco, one of Argentina’s brightest young talents, has made a significant impact at Boca Juniors, helping the team reach the 2023 Copa Libertadores final. The 19-year-old, who recently joined Brighton & Hove Albion, excels as both a full-back and winger. Known for his exceptional ball-striking ability and in-game intelligence, Barco is poised to challenge for the left-back position, previously held by veterans Nicolas Tagliafico and Marcos Acuna.

Facundo Buonanotte – Brighton & Hove Albion

Another standout at Brighton & Hove Albion, Facundo Buonanotte, is an exciting playmaker who made his national team debut last June. The 19-year-old has already amassed over 40 appearances for his Premier League club. Buonanotte’s agility, dribbling skills, and playmaking abilities draw comparisons to Angel Di Maria, another Rosario Central academy product. With Di Maria nearing the end of his international career, Buonanotte is a prime candidate to fill the forthcoming void.

Valentin Carboni – Monza

Valentin Carboni, currently on loan at Monza from Inter Milan, has impressed with his performances in Serie A. The 20-year-old midfielder stood out at the U-20 World Cup, showcasing his creativity and technical skills. Having been part of the national squad since March 2022, Carboni is now looking to solidify his role in Scaloni’s plans.

The Rising Star: Franco Mastantuono

In addition to these young stars, another name generating buzz in Argentinian football is Franco Mastantuono, a 16-year-old sensation from River Plate. Real Madrid and Barcelona are vying for his signature, with the former currently leading the race. Mastantuono, likened to Phil Foden, became River Plate’s youngest-ever goalscorer and has a €45 million release clause in his contract.

Mastantuono’s journey began in Azul, 300 kilometers south of Buenos Aires. Initially excelling in both tennis and football, he chose to pursue a career in football, joining River Plate in 2019. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mastantuono’s talent shone through, earning him a place in River’s U-17 team at just 15 years old. His rapid rise has now positioned him as one of the most sought-after young talents in world football.

Conclusion

As Argentina prepares for the 2024 Copa America, the infusion of young talent like Valentini, Barco, Buonanotte, Carboni, and Mastantuono signals a promising future for La Albiceleste. Under Scaloni’s guidance, these players are set to become the new pillars of Argentinian football, aiming to build on the country’s recent successes and usher in another era of glory.