The recent exclusion of Alejandro Garnacho from the Argentine national team for the forthcoming international fixtures has sent a ripple through the football world. For a player hailed as one of the most exciting young talents in the game, a regular starter for a club of Manchester United’s stature, this decision by national team coach Lionel Scaloni is a stark wake-up call. It’s not simply a matter of squad rotation or tactical preference; it is, as many observers and insiders suggest, a direct consequence of a character issue that has been bubbling under the surface for some time. Garnacho’s journey from prodigious youth to senior professional appears to be a classic tale of talent versus temperament, and his current situation serves as a powerful testimony to the consequences of undisciplined and arrogant behavior.
From his early days at the club, Garnacho’s immense potential was clear. His explosive pace, fearless dribbling, and knack for the spectacular made him a fan favorite. But alongside the flashes of brilliance, there have been whispers of an attitude that, if left unchecked, could derail a career that promised so much. Incidents of dissent towards coaching staff, a public-facing social media persona that has at times appeared provocative and unaligned with the club’s values, and a general air of indiscipline have reportedly become a concern for both his club and national team managers.1
In the high-pressure world of elite football, discipline is not just about showing up on time. It’s about a complete commitment to the team, a willingness to learn and adapt, and a respect for the hierarchy and standards set by the club. A young player with Garnacho’s skill set, who possesses the confidence to take on defenders and change a game, must also have the humility to accept instruction and constructive criticism. When that balance is lost, a player can quickly become a liability, regardless of their talent.
This is where the consequences of Garnacho’s behavior become most apparent. His exclusion from the Argentina squad is a powerful statement from a coach who demands total commitment. While Garnacho’s form at Manchester United may not have been consistently stellar, it is his off-field and on-field conduct that has seemingly raised the most red flags. Scaloni, a World Cup-winning manager with a squad brimming with world-class talent, simply does not have the time or the need to manage a player who is not fully bought into the team’s collective ethos. Garnacho’s indiscipline has cost him a place in one of the most competitive and successful international squads in the world, a team where every player, from Lionel Messi downwards, understands the importance of discipline and humility.
The effect of this kind of behavior can be far-reaching and potentially career-damaging. For a player so young, repeated acts of indiscipline can create a reputation that is hard to shake. It can erode the trust of managers, teammates, and fans. Managers may become hesitant to give him the responsibility of a starting role, fearing that his arrogance could lead to rash decisions or a negative influence in the dressing room. Teammates may grow frustrated with a lack of professionalism, impacting the team’s overall chemistry. Fans, who once celebrated his audacious talent, may begin to see him as a problem rather than a solution.
If Garnacho does not put his behavior in check, this downward spiral could continue. The missed international opportunities will be a significant blow to his development and his standing in the game. It will also raise questions about his long-term future at his club. In the modern game, where managers are increasingly focused on building a cohesive and disciplined culture, a player who consistently challenges that authority will find himself on the periphery. The young Argentine stands at a critical juncture in his career. He has all the talent in the world to become a superstar, but without the discipline and humility to match, he risks becoming another cautionary tale of a prodigy who failed to live up to his potential. The road to greatness is paved not just with talent but with character, and for Alejandro Garnacho, that is a lesson he must learn quickly.
