Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium grappling with one of the most shocking moments of his career. Following Argentina’s loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final, Messi announced his retirement from the national team. At 29, having firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad, the decision stunned fans and football pundits alike. "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can," Messi proclaimed in what seemed a definitive end to an era.
However, Messi's hiatus from international football was short-lived. By August 2016, he reversed his retirement decision, a turning point that would eventually lead him to triumph. The heartbreaks of consecutive summers, losing the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America to Chile, were compounded by the 2016 Copa America disaster, yet Messi persevered. His persistence paid off gloriously, as he broke his trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, marking an extraordinary period of redemption.
Fast forward to today, and Messi is one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in that fateful 2016 tournament. The Argentine squad has evolved, now boasting young talents like 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho. Despite the new faces, the team continues to build on the foundation laid by its enduring legends.
Argentina’s recent match against Canada showcased both promise and areas for improvement. The team managed 19 shots but fell short of their 3.02 expected goals tally, reflecting an underperformance in converting chances. On the defensive end, Argentina allowed Canada to take 10 shots on their goal, a statistic that coach Lionel Scaloni did not overlook. “We have a very particular strategy and game plan, and the opponent poses difficulties,” Scaloni admitted. “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."
Key Areas for Improvement
Scaloni was candid about the necessity to limit their opponent’s attacking opportunities. Romero and Lisandro Martinez have emerged as his preferred center-back pairing, a testament to their defensive solidity. Yet, the match against Canada highlighted the need for fine-tuning. “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 emphasized.
Offensive Spark
On the offensive side, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez were pivotal. Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring, injecting early momentum into Argentina's game. Lautaro Martinez added a crucial second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing Argentina’s depth in attack. Messi, ever the playmaker, demonstrated his continued elite-level capabilities with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal, reinforcing his importance as more than just a captain but a guiding force on the pitch.
Echoes of the Past, Focus on the Present
Reflecting on Messi's journey, his renaissance tale is not just a chapter in Argentina's storied football history but an ongoing saga. Scaloni, aware of the weight of history, prefers to stay rooted in 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,” Scaloni said. This sentiment echoes through the squad, as they strive not just to honor their legacy but to carve out new victories, match by match.
As Argentina continues its journey through international competitions, the blend of seasoned leadership and youthful exuberance bodes well for the future. The past might be filled with highs and lows, but it is the present where new legends are made and titles are won. The next chapter for Argentina is being written with every game, and with Messi still at the helm, the possibilities seem as boundless as the talent on the field.