This is an idea that nobody wants to be done. Lionel Messi, 38, is playing what will probably be his last qualification match for a World Cup on Argentinian soil. The end of an era, the last chapter of a legendary career which should, logically, end after the 2026 World Cup. The player himself suggested that mass was said. But within the selection, one voice was raised to ask him for the unthinkable: repel the deadline.
“May Messi think about it very carefully”
This voice is that of Franco Armani. The former Albiceleste goalkeeper, still in activity at 38, took advantage of a gala dinner to send a strong message to his former captain.
“Hopefully not”, He launched, when asked about Messi's imminent retirement. “Let him think about it. Obviously, no one is prepared for that. After this match, which he thinks very carefully. »» A real support, a call of the foot which speaks volumes about the almost divine status of Messi in his country.
This declaration is not trivial. It translates the feeling of an entire nation: the idea of seeing Argentina without Messi is simply unbearable. Genius is not only asked to play a sixth World Cup, which would already be a record. He is asked, in a word, to become eternal. A crazy idea, almost irrational, but which ultimately sticks fairly well to a player who has spent his career challenging logic.
“No one is prepared for that”: the strong sentence which puts pressure on Messi
The weight of legend
For a normal player, the question would not even arise. At 38, after winning everything, retirement is obvious. But Messi is not a normal player. Its influence goes beyond the field. It is a symbol, an icon. And when you are an icon, you no longer really have the right to stop. The popular pressure and that of its peers is immense.
Of course, reason will eventually win. Sooner or later Argentina will have to learn to live without its Messiah. But this declaration by Armani shows how difficult the mourning will be. She reveals the imprint left by a man who has forever changed the history of his sport. For the moment, Argentina clings to its dream. The dream of seeing your number 10 challenge time, once again. One last time. Or maybe not.
