Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, moments after his team lost the 2016 Copa America final on penalties to Chile, and made a stunning announcement. The football world was rocked when Messi declared, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.” At 29, Messi had firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad, heading into a period of doubts and soul-searching.
That loss to Chile marked the third consecutive summer that Argentina fell at the final hurdle, following close defeats in the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and the 2015 Copa America final against Chile. The weight of failing to turn near victories into triumphs was heavy on Messi’s shoulders.
However, by August 2016, Messi had a change of heart and decided to reverse his retirement decision. This move was pivotal for both Messi and Argentina. Fast forward to recent years, and Messi’s persistence paid off when he finally broke his trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. These monumental victories cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Today, Messi is one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament. This blend of experience and fresh talent has made Argentina a formidable side once again. The team showcases emerging stars like 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, hinting at a bright future ahead.
A New Generation and Pressing Challenges
In their recent match against Canada, Argentina managed an impressive 19 shots but underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally, a performance that did not go unnoticed by head coach Lionel Scaloni. Argentina also allowed Canada to take 10 shots on their goal, a statistic that Scaloni highlighted as an area needing urgent improvement. “We have a very particular strategy and game plan and the opponent poses difficulties,” said Scaloni, addressing the persistent defensive concerns.
Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing, adding much-needed stability to the backline. Yet, the coach remains conscious of the areas needing fine-tuning to ensure the team’s success in upcoming fixtures.
Attacking Prowess on Display
On the attacking front, Argentina displayed their offensive capabilities with Julian Alvarez opening the scoring against Canada. The forward started alongside Messi, showcasing the synergy between experience and youthful exuberance. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted skillfully by Alexis Mac Allister, demonstrating the depth and versatility of Argentina’s attacking options.
Messi, now enjoying his role as a seasoned veteran, demonstrated his continued elite-level capabilities with a pinpoint assist on Lautaro Martinez's goal. His presence on the pitch continues to inspire both teammates and fans alike. "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 remarked, emphasizing a forward-looking approach while respecting past achievements.
The Journey Ahead
As Argentina continues to build on its recent successes, the balance between experienced campaigners like Messi and the younger talents eager to make their mark becomes critical. "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 said, reflecting on Messi’s influence and the team's collective mindset.
With a blend of tactical nuances, individual brilliance, and collective spirit, Argentina's national team is once again poised to challenge the very best. As the squad grows and adapts, the lessons learned from both past triumphs and setbacks will be crucial in shaping their journey forward. Messi's redefined role, coupled with Scaloni’s strategic insights, paints a promising picture for a team deeply rooted in its history yet invigorated by its present opportunities.