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: “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, yet heartbreak on the international stage seemed to follow him.
That 2016 Copa America final marked Argentina's third consecutive summer falling at the final hurdle, having lost the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America again to Chile. Messi's declaration of retirement sent shockwaves through the football world. However, by August 2016, he had reversed his decision, much to the relief of fans and teammates alike.
Fast forward to today, Lionel Messi's narrative has dramatically transformed. He eventually broke his trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and followed it up with the ultimate prize in football—the 2022 World Cup. Messi, now one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament, has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest ever.
Argentina's recent match against Canada offered a glimpse into both their strengths and areas needing improvement. The team managed 19 shots but underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally. While they celebrated a 2-0 win, the match revealed defensive vulnerabilities as Argentina allowed Canada to take 10 shots on their goal. Head coach Lionel Scaloni noted this and hinted at key areas for improvement, particularly in limiting their opponent’s attack.
Scaloni has consistently emphasized living in the moment. “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,” he stated.
One of the strengths of this Argentine squad lies in its mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. The team boasts the likes of 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho. The center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez appears to be Scaloni’s preferred choice, providing a solid foundation for the team.
In the recent clash against Canada, Julian Alvarez, starting alongside Messi, opened the scoring. The ever-reliable Lautaro Martinez added a second, with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister. Messi once again demonstrated his continued elite-level capabilities with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal, underscoring his invaluable presence on the pitch.
Scaloni’s strategic approach to games is meticulous and adaptable. “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, but the opponent will set the tone of its attack and of course, we will be cautious about that and it's valid to do so,” he explained.
Scaloni also highlights the importance of enjoying the present. “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,” he remarked, emphasizing Messi’s enduring influence on the team.
This blend of tactical acuity, seasoned leadership, and youthful exuberance sets the stage for an intriguing journey ahead for Argentina. As the squad continues to fine-tune its performance, the presence of icons like Messi serves as both a steadying force and a beacon of inspiration. The narrative of Messi and Argentina is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, making every match a chapter worth watching.