Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium moments after Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. Overwhelmed and emotional, Messi made a shocking announcement: he was retiring from international football. "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can," he confessed, a declaration that sent shockwaves through the sporting world.
At just 29, Messi had firmly established himself as Argentina’s leader. Yet, his statements came on the back of a series of excruciating defeats: the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany and two consecutive Copa America final losses to Chile in 2015 and 2016. The weight of unfulfilled potential seemed to rest heavily on his shoulders. However, by August 2016, Messi had reversed his decision, a monumental choice that would later bear fruit.
The Road to Redemption
Messi's return to the national team marked the beginning of a new chapter. After years of being haunted by past failures, he finally broke his trophy drought by leading Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. These triumphs reinstated Messi's legacy not just as a club legend but as a national hero.
Fast forward to 2024, and Messi remains one of the pivotal figures in the squad, embodying a blend of experience and excellence. Remarkably, only three players from the 2016 Copa America roster remain on the current team: Messi being one of them. This continuity underscores his enduring importance to Argentina’s football ambitions.
New Blood and Tactical Adjustments
While Messi's presence is a testament to his extraordinary longevity, the team's evolution is evident with the inclusion of younger talents like 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old sensation Alejandro Garnacho. These players are part of a strategic overhaul aimed at balancing experience with youthful exuberance.
In a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots, underperforming on their 3.02 expected goals tally. On the defensive end, they allowed Canada to take 10 shots, an indication that there are still areas needing improvement. Scaloni, the strategic mind behind the team, hinted at focusing on limiting their opponents’ attacks. "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," he stated.
This tactical prudence is reflected in the solidified partnership of Romero and Lisandro Martinez as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing. Their defensive stability will be crucial if Argentina aims to sustain its current trajectory on the world stage.
The Messiah of Football
Messi’s impact on the team remains as potent as ever. In the game against Canada, he showcased his elite-level capabilities by assisting Lautaro Martinez’s goal, demonstrating that his vision and playmaking skills are as sharp as ever. Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring, showcasing the effective blend of youth and experience.
Manager Lionel Scaloni also emphasized the importance of focusing on present challenges rather than resting on past laurels. "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 remarked.
Looking Ahead
Messi's journey with the national team has evolved from a narrative of near-misses and heartbreaks to one of triumph and legacy. Yet, Scaloni's words serve as a grounding reminder that every match is a fresh challenge. "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 eloquently stated.
As the team prepares for future challenges, the blend of Messi's experience and the dynamism of younger talents like Romero and Garnacho offers a promising outlook. The Argentine squad continues its quest for glory, ever mindful of the lessons of the past but firmly focused on the present and the immediate battles ahead.