The 2026 World Cup is closing, opening a new cycle for South American football. Argentina and Brazil enter a transitional period, when the two symbols Lionel Messi and Neymar no longer play a central role. The question at this time is not only about who will wear the number 10 shirt, but also how the "giants" of this continent build the next generation.
With Brazil, the defeat to Norway at the 2026 World Cup almost closed Neymar's journey in Selecao colors. Carlo Ancelotti will continue his work, but the squad will be refreshed for the upcoming matches.
Ancelotti once admitted that the decision to put Neymar on the field in the second half of the match against Norway caused Brazil to lose balance. The Italian captain also confirmed that this striker is no longer in the national team's plan. After many years of building a squad around one of the biggest stars in Brazilian football history, Selecao is forced to find another direction.
Joao Pedro, who lost his position when Neymar returned to the national team, was recalled by Ancelotti but then injured. Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha will become more noticed faces in attack.
Raphinha is especially expected after his impressive performance at Barcelona. However, Brazil's problem is not only in the strikers. Ancelotti identified the midfield as the area that needs to be improved. Brazil needs midfielders who are capable of controlling the game, thereby helping attacking players develop their abilities.
Gabriel Bontempo, Breno Bidon and Martinelli are young talents who are given opportunities. Andrey Santos and Douglas Luiz are also returning to compete for the defensive midfielder position that Casemiro once held. Bruno Guimaraes and Danilo Santos continue to be experienced players in the transition process.
Argentina is facing another story. Messi will play his final match for the national team in Buenos Aires on October 6th, ending a journey that has lasted more than two decades. After Messi's era, Lionel Scaloni must find a way to maintain the strength of the team that once won the Copa America and World Cup under his leadership.
Argentina has played many times without Messi in recent years. Julian Alvarez is often used to fill the gap in the attack thanks to his mobility and wide ability to operate. But the number 10 position still needs a truly suitable face.
Nico Paz is emerging as a bright candidate. The Como midfielder has received many compliments after his performances in Serie A. When Messi is no longer present, Paz will have more opportunities to show his creativity.
Franco Mastantuono and Thiago Almada are also in the group that can compete for this position. Mastantuono is looking to assert himself at Fiorentina, while Almada has the opportunity to play regularly in Argentina after joining River Plate.
Messi and Neymar were once the center of South American football for many years. Their departure was not simply a personnel change. That was the time Brazil and Argentina had to find new ways to play, new leaders and faces capable of shouldering the expectations of fans.
An era is closing. For South America, the next chapter has begun.
