Argentina's national football team achieved a historic victory at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, securing their third championship title. Lionel Messi, the team's star player, fulfilled his lifelong dream and completed his career grand slam. However, more than two years have passed since their triumph, and the fate of these champion players has taken various turns. Some are still in their prime, others are on the rise, some have left the competitive top European leagues, and there are those who have retired from international duty. After winning the World Cup, six Argentine internationals have departed from Europe's top five leagues, with two retiring from the national team, leaving them out of contention for the upcoming USA-Mexico-Canada tournament.
On January 21st, Beijing time, new transfer market news emerged as River Plate, an Argentine football powerhouse, announced the return of Montiel to the club. According to journalist Uriel Lugt, Montiel's transfer fee was set at 4.5 million euros, with a contract that extends until 2028. This season, Montiel only made nine appearances for Sevilla, starting four times and scoring one goal. Despite being just 28 years old, he has already bid farewell to the top European leagues.
When mentioning Montiel, many will recall his calm and decisive penalty kick in the World Cup final that helped Argentina lift the trophy. In this River Plate squad, there are two other Argentine World Cup champions who left Europe's top leagues last summer: the 33-year-old Pezzella and Acuña. Pezzella returned to South America after leaving Real Betis, while Acuña previously played for Sevilla.
Argentina's captain, Messi, left the top European leagues even earlier. In the summer of 2023, he parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain and joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer on a free transfer. At 37 years old, Messi continues to display remarkable form, and fans eagerly anticipate his continued participation in the World Cup. Another Argentine player, Gómez, was banned for two years due to doping violations. His appeal was rejected, and after a brief stint with Monza, the 36-year-old Gómez remains a free agent.
Argentine stalwart Di Maria also exited the top European leagues when he left Juventus in the summer of 2023, signing with Benfica on a free transfer. The 36-year-old Di Maria is in excellent form, having scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 27 appearances for Benfica this season. However, Di Maria is no longer part of the Argentine national team. He retired after winning back-to-back Copa América titles, a decision that Argentine fans found regrettable, as they believe he could still contribute to the national team with his current level of play. Similarly, Armani, who announced his retirement from the national team last year at the age of 38, is the captain of River Plate.
Di Maria and Armani will not be participating in the 2026 World Cup, and the prospects for Montiel and other Argentine internationals to compete in the tournament are not promising. As veterans retire and new talents emerge, can the restructured Argentine team defend their World Cup title?