The Argentine captain, Messi retired from international football after missing a penalty in the 4-2 penalty loss to Chile at the Copa America Centenario final hosted by USA.
However, Menotti, who took the Albiceleste to World Cup glory in 1978, said Argentina will have to fight to qualify for the next world cup without Messi.
"I don't think [Argentina will fail to qualify], five teams go through, but if Messi does not play, we do run the risk," He told La Nacion .
"I would be already thinking about Qatar 2022 and bringing players through."
"Sometimes a World Cup can be won by
accident. Argentina are going through
something similar to Brazil, who play badly, but really badly, and have done since 1990. But they had great players, like Ronaldinho, Romario, Ronaldo, Bebeto, Rivaldo.
"Now those players aren't there and they have started to play with strategy, with fear, and when you play weighed down by obligations you cannot play at all. Now not even the players can save them.
"We have Messi... now without Messi the team are going to have to start really training."
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