Sergio Aguero names the three players who will replace Lionel Messi as Argentina's 'leaders' when he's gone

Sergio Aguero has named the three Argentinian players he is backing to step up when Lionel Messi eventually retires.

After securing a third World Cup victory in Qatar back in 2022, Argentina are now looking to secure yet another international honour this summer.

La Albiceleste are currently in the USA in a bid to defend the Copa America title they won in 2021 - and have started well while doing so.

Lionel Scaloni's side have won all three of their opening games in Group A against Chile, Canada and Peru and will now face Ecuador in the first knockout game on Friday morning (2am kick-off UK time).

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez has been influential in the positive start, having netted four goals across his three appearances - which makes a change from Messi's usual method of leading from the front.

The Inter Miami ace is yet to score a single goal in the tournament - with just one assist to his name - which could hint that his powers at the highest level are waning.

At 37 years of age this is to be expected, his days in the national team are now numbered but his former teammate and close friend Aguero is tipping three key Argentina players to step up in his absence when Messi does retire from international football for good.

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“In my opinion our next leaders will be Julian Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez," he told Stake.com.

“Some say Dibu Martinez, but the goalkeeper’s roles are different, they have a different type of leadership. But I think that towards the future, those are the players.”

The three players mentioned have an average age of just 24 and all play at top clubs across the Premier League. If they are given the keys to the national team, fans can rest easy knowing the future is bright for Argentina.