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#3 Nicolas Gonzalez
Fiorentina winger Nicolas Gonzalez has played alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina several times since making his debut in 2019. The 23-year-old winger is another player who has caught the eye with La Albiceleste under manager Lionel Scaloni.
Not a bad finisher, the winger has scored two goals and made one assist in 15 appearances for Argentina, and was part of the side that won the Copa America. Gonzalez has scored three goals this season and made two assists in nine appearances for Fiorentina in all competitions.
A left-footed player like Lionel Messi, Gonzalez has an impressive dribbling ability to go with his pace and direct running. All of Gonzalez's attributes and his age point to him being a key player for Argentina after Lionel Messi may have left the national team set-up in a few years.
#2 Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala has had a complicated international career for Argentina with Lionel Messi around. Now 28, the talented forward has not had a starring role for La Albiceleste despite making his international debut aged 21.
Coaches have found it challenging to accommodate the Juventus forward and Lionel Messi in the Argentina squad because they tend to take up similar positions on the pitch.
Dybala has only made 31 appearances for Argentina in seven years, scoring two goals and registering six assists. The forward has flourished at Juventus since the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo as he secured a more senior role in the team.
Dybala has repaid Max Allegri's trust with quality performances this season and can be trusted to take up the mantle with Argentina after Lionel Messi moves on.
#1 Lautaro Martinez
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is one who has lived up to his expectations with the Argentina national team so far. The 24-year-old striker is one of the top marksmen in Europe for Inter Milan.
Martinez was handed his national team debut in 2018 by Jorge Sampaoli, and has scored 17 goals and made five assists in 34 appearances for La Albiceleste.
Built like a typical South American striker, Martinez is not blessed with height or an imposing physique, but uses his other attributes to his advantage. He has great precision in his shooting and is brilliant at making the right runs.
Martinez has flourished while playing alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina, with the PSG star providing impeccable service to him. He will continue to be an important player for Argentina after the Lionel Messi era and could emerge as one of the leaders in the team.
