Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, grappling with the disappointment of another near-miss. After his team lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile on penalties, Messi, then 29, made a stunning announcement: “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.”
At that moment, Messi's future with Argentina seemed uncertain. He had established himself as the indisputable leader of the national squad, yet the weight of three consecutive summers of heartbreak was heavy. Argentina's losses in the 2014 World Cup to Germany and back-to-back Copa America defeats to Chile in 2015 and 2016 were fresh wounds. However, by August 2016, Messi reversed his retirement decision, a move that would eventually lead to a historic period of triumph.
Fast forward to today, Messi has shattered his trophy drought, securing significant titles with Argentina, including the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Now at 36, Messi remains a pivotal figure for the national team, one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament. His journey has been marked by resilience and unyielding dedication.
A New Generation Emerges
While Messi's legacy continues to unfold, the current Argentine squad boasts a mix of seasoned talent and youthful promise. Among the standout players is 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero, a cornerstone of Argentina's defense, and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, who adds a fresh burst of energy to the team. The dynamism of these players highlights a new era poised to build on Messi's groundwork.
In a recent encounter against Canada, Argentina's attacking prowess was evident. The team managed 19 shots but fell short of their 3.02 expected goals tally. On the defensive end, however, they allowed Canada to take 10 shots on goal, signaling areas needing improvement. Head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged this, emphasizing the importance of limiting the opponent's attack. “We have a very particular strategy and game plan and the opponent poses difficulties. What we do is try to adjust, try to avoid damage to our team and we will try to find the spaces, given the opponent,” Scaloni explained.
Defensive Solidity and Tactical Adjustments
Scaloni's tenure has seen a solidification of the defensive line, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez emerging as the preferred center-back pairing. Their synergy is fundamental to Argentina's defensive strategy, providing a robust backbone that allows the team to execute Scaloni's tactical adjustments effectively.
On the offensive side, Julian Alvarez continues to shine alongside Messi, opening the scoring against Canada. Lautaro Martinez, another key attacker, added a second goal with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister. Messi, demonstrating his enduring elite capabilities, contributed with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal, reaffirming his role as a pivotal playmaker.
Focus on the Present
Scaloni's philosophy is clear: focus on the present. “The cups that Chile won, the cups that we won … that is in the past. We are living in the present and this team knows that very well. Each match is a different history and we have to face it as it comes. Previous titles don’t change that,” Scaloni asserted. This mindset propels the team forward, allowing them to build on their current form without being burdened by past results.
As Messi celebrates his illustrious career with an eye on current achievements, Scaloni emphasizes the importance of enjoying the present moment. “I think that it’s very important to have him here. Everyone’s asking about the future, the past but this is the lovely present … The present is very important. What's in the past is in the past and he is enjoying his birthday. We want him to have a good time,” Scaloni shared.
Messi's journey with Argentina reflects a tale of perseverance, resilience, and eventual glory. From his emotional retirement announcement in 2016 to leading his team to triumph in subsequent years, Messi's story is far from over. With a balanced blend of experienced leaders and emerging talents, Argentina continues to pose a formidable challenge on the global stage, always ready for the next chapter.