After Argentina’s shock 2-1 defeat to Paraguay, the cracks in the squad’s once unshakable foundation are becoming more evident. The triumphs in recent years – the Copa América, the Finalissima, and, of course, the crowning glory of the 2022 World Cup – seem like distant memories now. The current form of the Argentine national team, especially in the South American qualifiers, raises serious concerns. It’s clear that the winning formula that once brought the team together is slowly being undone, with key players aging, tactical rigidity setting in, and new talent failing to emerge with the same consistency and hunger.

Lionel Messi, the talismanic figure behind much of Argentina’s recent success, is no longer the same player who lit up the World Cup. While still a remarkable talent, his age and physical limitations are starting to show. His ability to carry the team on his shoulders has been compromised, and the collective depth of Argentina is becoming more apparent. The midfield, once a strength with the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul dictating tempo, now looks disjointed and vulnerable, unable to provide the same defensive security and offensive creativity. The lack of cohesion in the middle of the park was evident against Paraguay, where Argentina struggled to control the game and were often caught in transitions.

Moreover, the defensive solidity that Argentina prided itself on under Lionel Scaloni is starting to fray. The backline, which was so resolute during their World Cup triumph, has shown worrying signs of vulnerability. Argentina’s inability to close out games and their increasing tendency to concede soft goals signals a lack of composure that could prove costly in upcoming fixtures. The goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, despite his heroics in Qatar, has shown inconsistency, further complicating an already fragile defensive setup.

Perhaps the most worrying aspect is the lack of fresh faces and the slow integration of new talent. While the older generation is still carrying much of the load, the younger players haven’t been able to step up and fill the void. Argentina’s forward line, while still boasting the likes of Lautaro Martínez and Julian Álvarez, has been too predictable and lacks the dynamism and fluidity that once made the team so dangerous. The tactical setup also feels increasingly stale, with Scaloni’s once-famed versatility now giving way to a more rigid approach. Without new ideas or a refreshed squad, Argentina risks slipping into a decline, with the golden years of their recent triumphs fading faster than anyone expected.