An unexpected storm has erupted inside the Argentina national team just months before the next World Cup qualifiers. According to several reports from Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi has issued a direct ultimatum to head coach Lionel Scaloni following an alleged dispute with Lautaro Martínez during training. The shocking demand?
“It’s either me or him. If he stays, I leave the national team – forever.”
The words, reportedly spoken behind closed doors at the national team’s training center in Ezeiza, have sent shockwaves throughout the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and stunned millions of fans around the world. For a player of Messi’s stature — the captain, leader, and symbol of Argentina — to threaten retirement over an internal conflict is nothing short of unprecedented.
The Clash That Shook the Camp
Insiders claim that tensions between Messi and Lautaro had been building quietly for weeks. The dispute allegedly began with disagreements over leadership and tactics during the last international matches. Sources say Lautaro, known for his fiery personality, openly questioned Messi’s influence on certain decisions within the squad — something that reportedly didn’t sit well with the Inter Milan striker’s teammates or the captain himself.
During a recent training session, the argument is said to have escalated dramatically. Witnesses claim voices were raised, and the atmosphere became so intense that Scaloni was forced to intervene personally to separate the two players. Moments later, Messi reportedly walked off the field, visibly furious.
The Ultimatum and Lautaro’s Response
Later that day, Messi approached coach Scaloni in private and made his feelings unmistakably clear: “Either he goes, or I do.” According to sources close to the team, Messi felt Lautaro had crossed a line — not only with disrespectful comments but also with a perceived lack of unity and discipline.
But what truly set the situation ablaze was Lautaro Martínez’s immediate response. The forward didn’t remain silent. In a private team meeting, he reportedly delivered a calm but powerful statement that quickly spread across the Argentine press:
“I play for Argentina, not for any one man’s pride.”
Those ten words, simple yet defiant, reportedly forced the AFA to intervene and hold an emergency meeting. For the first time in years, the federation found itself caught between two of its most influential figures: the captain and one of the country’s top goal scorers.
The AFA’s Shock Decision
Within 24 hours, the Argentine Football Association released a brief but significant statement:
“We are aware of internal tensions within the squad. Discussions will be held privately to preserve team unity and respect.”
Behind the scenes, however, sources suggest that Scaloni has temporarily removed both players from group training until the matter can be resolved. The decision has reportedly divided the dressing room — some teammates backing Messi’s leadership, others supporting Lautaro’s straightforwardness.
Fans Divided, Nation in Debate
The news has triggered a wave of debate across Argentina. Social media exploded with hashtags like #MessiUltimatum, #Lautaro, and #ScaloniCrisis. While many supporters stand firmly behind Messi, arguing that his commitment to the national team is unquestionable, others believe Lautaro’s courage to speak up shows the changing dynamics within a new generation of players.
Prominent journalist Gustavo López commented on the situation:
“Messi is Argentina’s greatest icon, but no one is above the team. If there’s division, Scaloni must act fast before it tears the group apart.”
What’s Next for Argentina?
With World Cup qualifiers looming, the timing of this internal conflict couldn’t be worse. Scaloni, who has built a team based on brotherhood and unity since the Copa América triumph, now faces his toughest managerial challenge yet.
Whether Messi stands firm on his ultimatum or a reconciliation can be found remains uncertain. One thing, however, is undeniable: Argentina’s dressing room has been shaken to its core.
👉 All eyes now turn to the AFA and Scaloni — their next move could define the future of Argentine football.
