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Deflated Argentina Must Rebuild Without Lionel Messi for World Cup Qualifiers
Published: June 28, 2016
There is little time for the Albiceleste to lick their wounds following Sunday's penalty shoot-out defeat to Chile. Nor do Gerardo Martino's men have much margin to settle back into action after such an emotional roller coaster in the United States.
On September 1, Uruguay await in Mendoza's Estadio Malvinas Argentinas. Do not be fooled by the Celeste's pitiful showing in the Copa. Coach Oscar Tabarez had made it abundantly clear that the tournament was not a priority for his team; all eyes are focused on making 2018.
Uruguay currently lead the World Cup standings after six games, having picked up 13 points so far in a strong start to the gruelling competition. Argentina have recovered from a poor opening but still lie two points back in third. And there is one crucial difference between the two great Rioplatense rivals.
While the leaders will welcome back Luis Suarez to the fold, fit and raring to go having been unable to see action in the U.S., the Albiceleste face their biggest rebuilding operation in a generation and little time to see it through.
The biggest absence barely needs mentioning. Lionel Messi's tearful retirement just hours after the curtain had closed on the final at the MetLife Stadium leaves a gaping hole in the middle of Argentina, who in one stroke lost both their best player by far and their captain. With five goals and four assists at an injury-shortened Copa America, Messi is at the height of his powers.
The reaction to his retirement is telling. The great Diego Maradona publicly stated Messi must continue: "Messi has to stay in the national team. He will go to Russia...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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