Zanetti Hails Messi’s Argentina Legacy and Backs Lautaro as Successor
Javier Zanetti has placed Lionel Messi alongside Diego Maradona in Argentina’s pantheon, while backing Lautaro Martinez to become an even more influential figure as the national side approaches a leadership change.
What changed for Argentina
Messi’s international farewell in Buenos Aires, with Argentina due to face Benin, will mark the end of an era for Lionel Scaloni’s squad. Zanetti, now Inter vice-president, said Messi’s impact extends beyond his achievements on the pitch because he helped bring together the country after repeatedly responding to difficult moments in his career.
Zanetti played 37 times with Messi for Argentina, including at the Copa America tournaments of 2007 and 2011. He said the forward’s level was evident immediately when Messi first entered the senior setup.
“He was quiet because he was so young, but he was already extraordinary,” Zanetti said. “From the first training session, it was obvious that he was different and that he could make the national team great. After Diego Maradona, Argentina had another genius.”
The former Argentina captain said he had chosen not to speak with Messi before the Benin match, preferring to allow his former team-mate time and space before an emotional occasion.
“Our relationship has always been built on respect and on meeting at the appropriate moments,” Zanetti said. “I wanted him to have his calm before this event. I hope he feels everything he deserves and receives the affection of the whole country.”
Competition context
Zanetti believes Messi’s legacy includes the resilience he showed before leading Argentina to major honours. He said the number 10 had repeatedly recovered from setbacks, represented his country around the world and lifted Argentina’s standing through his commitment.
If offered a brief conversation with Messi before kick-off, Zanetti said his message would be straightforward: gratitude for the emotions, effort and representation the forward has given supporters.
The Inter executive also recalled Messi’s involvement in charitable work in Rosario. As Zanetti’s Pupi foundation reaches its 25th anniversary, he remembered arranging a benefit game with Maxi Rodriguez at Newell’s Old Boys’ stadium, where 40,000 spectators turned out principally to see Messi.
Messi was consistently willing to support such occasions, Zanetti said, and that willingness reflected his character away from football as well as his ability as a player.
What is scheduled next
Argentina will host Benin in Buenos Aires for Messi’s farewell, before Scaloni begins shaping the group for the next major tournament cycle without the long-serving talisman at its centre.
- Messi’s final Argentina occasion is set to come against Benin in Buenos Aires.
- Lautaro Martinez is expected to carry greater responsibility within the squad.
- Zanetti sees the Inter striker as an established leader for Argentina, not only for his club.
Zanetti said Lautaro already serves as a reference point for many international team-mates and has the qualities to continue building his own record in an Argentina shirt. “He is already one of the leaders of this team,” Zanetti said. “He will keep making history with Argentina, and he deserves that.”
