Argentina Soccer Members: Key Players and Rising Stars to Watch
Having followed international football for over two decades, I’ve come to appreciate how even the most talented squads can falter at crucial moments—much like the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their recent conference outings. That winless streak, where they repeatedly lost control of games they could have won, reminds me of how even celebrated football nations like Argentina sometimes struggle to protect a lead when it matters most. But make no mistake: Argentina’s current roster is packed with world-class talent and promising youngsters who are poised to shine on the global stage. In this piece, I’ll share my perspective on the key players driving the team forward and the rising stars you should keep an eye on.
Let’s start with Lionel Messi—because how could we not? At 36, Messi continues to defy age and expectations. I’ve watched him evolve from a dazzling teenager at Barcelona to the inspirational captain who led Argentina to their 2022 World Cup triumph. His vision, close control, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations remain unparalleled. Sure, he’s not the explosive winger he once was, but his role has shifted beautifully into that of a playmaker who dictates the tempo. For instance, in last year’s Copa América, Messi contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in just 7 appearances. Those aren’t just numbers; they’re proof of his enduring influence. I firmly believe his presence alone elevates the confidence of the entire squad, much like a seasoned general guiding his troops through battle.
Alongside Messi, Lautaro Martínez stands out as a pillar of Argentina’s attack. As Inter Milan’s talisman, Martínez combines relentless pressing with clinical finishing—a blend I’ve always admired in modern strikers. He netted 21 Serie A goals last season, and his partnership with Messi has grown into something special. Watching them link up in the final third feels like poetry in motion; Martínez’s intelligent runs create space, while Messi’s passes often find him in deadly positions. But it’s not just about the established stars. What excites me most is the wave of young talent emerging from Argentina’s famed youth academies. Take Julián Álvarez, for example. At 23, he’s already a World Cup winner and has shown incredible maturity at Manchester City. His versatility—he can play as a central striker or drift wide—gives Argentina tactical flexibility. I’d argue he’s one of the most complete forwards of his generation, with a work rate that reminds me of a young Carlos Tevez.
Then there’s Enzo Fernández, the dynamic midfielder who burst onto the scene during the 2022 World Cup. I remember watching his long-range strike against Mexico and thinking, “This kid is different.” His passing range, defensive awareness, and composure under pressure are rare for a 22-year-old. Since joining Chelsea, he’s faced ups and downs, but his potential is undeniable. In my view, Fernández is the kind of player who can prevent those “running out of gas” moments—the ones that plagued the Fuel Masters—by controlling the midfield and sustaining momentum. Another youngster I’m bullish on is Alejandro Garnacho. Though he’s just 19, his fearlessness on the wing and knack for spectacular goals have made him a fan favorite at Manchester United. I’ve seen him turn games on their head with his dribbling and creativity, and if he continues developing, he could be a game-changer for Argentina in the coming years.
Of course, no team is without its challenges. Argentina’s defense, led by the experienced Cristian Romero, has generally been solid, but injuries and consistency issues can surface at inopportune times. Romero’s aggressive style is a double-edged sword—it wins balls but also concedes fouls in dangerous areas. And while Emiliano Martínez is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now, his occasional theatrics can distract from his shot-stopping brilliance. Still, I’m optimistic because the squad’s depth is improving. Players like Giovani Lo Celso and Alexis Mac Allister offer creativity in midfield, and Nahuel Molina provides width from the full-back position. What I love about this group is their collective spirit; they play for each other, something that was evident during their triumphant World Cup campaign.
Looking ahead, Argentina’s blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance puts them in a strong position for upcoming tournaments like the 2024 Copa América and the 2026 World Cup. Messi’s eventual retirement will undoubtedly leave a void, but the rising stars are ready to step up. From my experience covering football, transitions are never seamless, but Argentina’s talent pipeline is as robust as ever. So, while teams like the Fuel Masters remind us that protecting a lead is easier said than done, Argentina’s key players and emerging talents have the skill and mentality to avoid those pitfalls. Keep an eye on this squad—they’re built for lasting success.
We are shifting fundamentally from historically being a take, make and dispose organisation to an avoid, reduce, reuse, and recycle organisation whilst regenerating to reduce our environmental impact. We see significant potential in this space for our operations and for our industry, not only to reduce waste and improve resource use efficiency, but to transform our view of the finite resources in our care.
Looking to the Future
By 2022, we will establish a pilot for circularity at our Goonoo feedlot that builds on our current initiatives in water, manure and local sourcing. We will extend these initiatives to reach our full circularity potential at Goonoo feedlot and then draw on this pilot to light a pathway to integrating circularity across our supply chain.
The quality of our product and ongoing health of our business is intrinsically linked to healthy and functioning ecosystems. We recognise our potential to play our part in reversing the decline in biodiversity, building soil health and protecting key ecosystems in our care. This theme extends on the core initiatives and practices already embedded in our business including our sustainable stocking strategy and our long-standing best practice Rangelands Management program, to a more a holistic approach to our landscape.
We are the custodians of a significant natural asset that extends across 6.4 million hectares in some of the most remote parts of Australia. Building a strong foundation of condition assessment will be fundamental to mapping out a successful pathway to improving the health of the landscape and to drive growth in the value of our Natural Capital.
Our Commitment
We will work with Accounting for Nature to develop a scientifically robust and certifiable framework to measure and report on the condition of natural capital, including biodiversity, across AACo’s assets by 2023. We will apply that framework to baseline priority assets by 2024.
Looking to the Future
By 2030 we will improve landscape and soil health by increasing the percentage of our estate achieving greater than 50% persistent groundcover with regional targets of:
– Savannah and Tropics – 90% of land achieving >50% cover
– Sub-tropics – 80% of land achieving >50% perennial cover
– Grasslands – 80% of land achieving >50% cover
– Desert country – 60% of land achieving >50% cover
