Argentina can expect exciting future after World Cup woe

Teamwork and defensive solidity were two of the hallmarks of La Albiceleste’s World Cup campaign, with defenders Ezequiel Garay and Zabaleta likely to still be available for the Copa America campaign. Beyond that, however, Argentina do have an ageing backline.

The build-up to World Cup 2018 would be the perfect time to blood in younger defenders alongside versatile Sporting Lisbon star Marcos Rojo, as veterans Hugo Campagnaro, Martin Demichelis and Jose Basanta enter the twilight of their careers.

Valencia centre half Nicolas Otamendi was included in Alejandro Sabella’s preliminary World Cup squad and will have been disappointed not to make the final cut. He should expect to feature more heavily over the next few years, though, perhaps becoming a senior figure alongside promising Catania right back Gino Peruzzi, who could well be the heir to Zabaleta’s throne.

Javier Mascherano, meanwhile, could easily lay claim to being Argentina’s most important player at the World Cup. Swiftly and effectively covering defensive duties, patrolling midfield and keeping things spectacularly simple, the Barca man will be 34 by the time the next World Cup begins.

Although not rewarded with the role of captain by his national coach, Mascherano led by example in Brazil, mopping up counter-attacks at will. Possibly recognising it may have been his last chance to lift the World Cup, the tenacious tackler admitted “This was our chance. We are so very disappointed.”

It is difficult to imagine Argentina without Mascherano now, but he will need fresh legs supporting him if he is to continue. Mercurial Valencia midfielder Ever Banega has always threatened to become a tremendous player, and now could finally be the time for him to step forward for his nation.

If Argentina qualify for World Cup 2018, as widely expected, Messi and his excellent supporting cast of Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain will all be in their early 30’s. After starring alongside each other at various youth competitions, this makes the upcoming Copa America tournament the fantastic four’s best shot at international glory.

As for the next generation of attacking talents, Erik Lamela and Javier Pastore both endured difficult club campaigns last season, but clearly possess the technical talent to thrive for Argentina.

Following Sabella’s decision to freeze Carlos Tevez out of the World Cup squad, and 29-year-old Ezequiel Lavezzi’s disappointing performances, there is room for Lamela to stake a place in attack. Having illustrated a nose for goal in his successful stint at Roma, where he netted 21 times in two seasons, the young Argentine still has plenty of time to establish himself at Spurs.

Roma have also recently snapped up 21-year-old forward Juan Iturbe, who has been compared to Messi in playing style. Still uncapped by Argentina, the Buenos Aires-born starlet could be just the tonic to rejuvenate disappointed fans. He joins new Atletico Madrid signing Angel Correa, who scored 12 goals for San Lorenzo last campaign, as part of a new wave of highly-rated forwards.

With Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi also impressing for his club in Serie A, the burden of inspiring Argentina may finally be lifted from Messi’s shoulders.

Perhaps La Albiceleste will have to rely on the ‘old-guard’ for their Copa America adventures in Chile, but after acquitting themselves well, if not exceptionally, in Brazil, there is much change ahead for fans to look forward to.