Post-Messi Era: Argentina's New Blueprint – €200M Strikers Lautaro and Alvarez from Rivals to Partners

In the past 24 hours, several noteworthy news items have emerged from Inter Milan. Spanish media outlet Relevo reported that the plans initially championed by Zhang Kangyang to have Inter, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain tour China for summer training are now uncertain. Although not yet canceled, the possibility of these plans materializing remains in flux. Additionally, while Inter's new sponsor has not been officially announced, they have already paid €14 million to the club. This organization, primarily operating in an undisclosed sector, will provide Inter with €30 million annually, a payment structure that is quite satisfactory.

However, the most talked-about topic within the Inter community revolves around Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. As European powerhouses gear up for the Euro 2024, the Argentine national team is preparing for the Copa America, which kicks off in just 11 days. The burning question is: who should start – Lautaro or Alvarez? Currently, Lautaro, valued at €110 million, and Alvarez, valued at €90 million, are Argentina's most valuable players, collectively worth €200 million. Together, they account for a quarter of the team's total value, naturally making them the focal point of discussions.

Many experts favor Lautaro, who scored 22 goals this season and was named Serie A MVP. Unlike during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he is not hampered by injuries, making it essential to utilize him fully. Conversely, several experts back Alvarez, noting that Lautaro’s World Cup performance shook many fans’ faith in him. The debate rages on with no clear resolution. Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, has added fuel to the fire with his “game-time decision” stance, saying, “The important thing is that both Lautaro and Alvarez are in great form. We are happy to have both. We will decide who starts game by game.” This ambiguity only intensifies the discussions.

However, numerous Argentine football experts and media outlets, such as TyC Sports, have started to discuss another pressing issue: Lionel Messi’s current physical condition. There are concerns about whether he can perform at full capacity in the Copa America. Moreover, even if injuries are not a concern, the soon-to-be 37-year-old Messi should gradually reduce his playing time to avoid overexertion. This raises the question: why not pair Lautaro and Alvarez as partners? If Lautaro can work well with players like Edin Dzeko, Romelu Lukaku, and Marcus Thuram, why must Alvarez be viewed as his rival instead of his partner?

Argentine media have presented an analysis. Over the past two years, Lautaro and Alvarez have often been in competition, with one replacing the other. However, there have been instances when both were on the pitch simultaneously, and during these times, Argentina performed well. The most recent example was in March this year, when Argentina played Costa Rica. Alvarez started as the center forward, and Lautaro came on in the 71st minute to partner with him. The duo’s performance was impressive, with Lautaro scoring and helping Argentina to a convincing victory, which also saw him enter the top ten of Argentina’s all-time leading scorers.

Another example is from October 13, 2023, during a fierce World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. Lautaro and Alvarez started together, leading Argentina to a 1-0 victory. The opponents and Argentina’s formations differed in these matches, but a common factor was Messi’s poor physical condition. Argentina faced the challenge of winning without their talisman. In other words, when Messi couldn’t guarantee full participation, Argentina experimented with various combinations. Among these, the Lautaro-Alvarez partnership proved to be one of the most effective and successful solutions.

Recently, Lisandro Martinez stated that the 2024 Copa America would not be Messi’s last major tournament, as he plans to participate in the 2026 World Cup. However, Messi himself has said it’s too early to make such predictions. Regardless, Argentina will have to gradually adapt to scenarios where Messi is unavailable or cannot play full matches. Therefore, Argentine media suggest that the national team should increasingly practice the Lautaro-Alvarez partnership. This is not just because it would be a waste to have one of them on the bench but also because it is the natural progression.

Potential Partnership Benefits

The potential partnership between Lautaro and Alvarez is not just a fallback plan; it’s a strategic adjustment that could significantly enhance Argentina's offensive capabilities. Both players bring unique qualities to the pitch. Lautaro is known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and ability to hold up the ball, while Alvarez is celebrated for his agility, quickness, and technical skills. Together, they could form a dynamic and versatile attacking duo capable of troubling any defense.

Moreover, both players have demonstrated their ability to adapt to different playing styles and systems. Lautaro’s experience in Serie A with Inter Milan, where he has played alongside various types of strikers, showcases his versatility. Alvarez’s success in the Premier League with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola highlights his tactical intelligence and ability to thrive in a fluid, high-pressing system. Their complementary skills and adaptability make them ideal candidates to lead Argentina’s attack in the post-Messi era.

Scaloni’s Tactical Adjustments

Lionel Scaloni’s openness to experimenting with the Lautaro-Alvarez partnership reflects his pragmatic approach to squad management. He understands the importance of having multiple tactical options and the need to prepare for scenarios where Messi might not be available or at his best. Scaloni’s “game-time decision” stance, though seemingly noncommittal, indicates his willingness to explore different combinations and find the best fit for each match.

Scaloni’s tenure has been marked by a flexible and adaptable approach, allowing Argentina to thrive in various situations. By fostering a partnership between Lautaro and Alvarez, he ensures that the team remains competitive and retains its attacking threat, even without Messi. This forward-thinking strategy could prove crucial in maintaining Argentina’s status as a top contender in international football.

Fan and Media Reactions

The discussions surrounding the Lautaro-Alvarez partnership have generated significant interest among fans and media alike. While some fans remain divided on who should start, many are excited about the potential of seeing both strikers on the field simultaneously. This excitement is fueled by their impressive individual performances and the promise of a formidable attacking duo.

Media outlets have extensively covered this topic, highlighting past instances where the partnership worked well and analyzing potential tactical benefits. The positive outcomes from these discussions have bolstered the case for giving the Lautaro-Alvarez partnership more opportunities. As the Copa America approaches, the anticipation and curiosity about this potential pairing continue to grow.

Conclusion

In the evolving landscape of Argentine football, the transition to a post-Messi era is inevitable. The Lautaro-Alvarez partnership represents a strategic and forward-thinking approach to this transition. By capitalizing on the strengths of both players and adapting to new tactical realities, Argentina can ensure continued success on the international stage. This partnership is not just about finding a replacement for Messi but about building a new foundation that can sustain Argentina’s footballing excellence for years to come.