Messi's Rollercoaster Journey with Argentina: From Heartbreak to Glory
Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, moments after Argentina's loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final on penalties. It was a moment of despair for Messi, who had just announced a stunning decision: he was retiring from international football. "For me, the national team is over. I've done all that I can," Messi declared, sending shockwaves through the football world.
At 29, Messi was already the undisputed leader of Argentina’s national squad. His retirement announcement followed three consecutive summers of heartbreak for Argentina, having lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and the 2015 Copa America final, also to Chile. The weight of these near-misses seemed too heavy for the legendary forward.
However, by August 2016, Messi had reversed his decision. The footballing world rejoiced as one of its brightest stars returned to the international stage. The question then was whether Messi could lead Argentina to the elusive titles that had slipped away.
Fast forward to 2021, and Messi finally ended his trophy drought with Argentina. An emotional victory in the Copa America marked the beginning of a new chapter. In 2022, Messi triumphed again, leading his nation to World Cup glory. The exorcism of past demons was complete, securing his place not just as one of the greatest of all time, but as a beloved hero in his home country.
Two years later, Messi remains a central figure for Argentina. Remarkably, he is one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament. This continuity highlights Messi's enduring influence and underscores Argentina’s blend of experience and youth.
Future Stars and Tactical Evolution
The current squad reflects a careful balance of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. Center back Cristian Romero, at 26, has emerged as a stalwart in defense, while 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho represents the next generation looking to make their mark. Under Lionel Scaloni’s stewardship, Argentina continues to evolve tactically and strategically.
In a recent friendly against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but underperformed with a 3.02 expected goals tally. Defensively, they allowed Canada to take 10 shots on goal, highlighting areas for improvement. Scaloni has been candid about the team's need to limit their opponent’s attacking opportunities, pointing to key areas for refinement.
"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. His pragmatic approach underscores the focus on adaptability and cautious optimism.
Formidable Defensive Pairing and Attacking Prowess
Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing. Their chemistry and understanding on the field are critical components of Argentina’s defensive framework. Meanwhile, in attack, Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi against Canada, demonstrated his potential by opening the scoring.
Lautaro Martinez added a second goal with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing the depth of talent in Argentina's attacking arsenal. Messi, too, proved that age is just a number, delivering an elite-level performance with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal. His vision and execution remain unparalleled, ensuring that Argentina can rely on him in crucial moments.
Scaloni, reflective yet focused on the present, remarked, "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." His emphasis on living in the present and adapting to each challenge is a testament to his leadership.
For Messi, the journey with the national team has been laden with ups and downs. Yet, his dedication and resilience have turned doubt into triumph. "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," Scaloni reflected on Messi’s enduring presence and impact.
As Argentina continues to build and refine its squad, the blend of Messi’s experience with the vibrancy of youth portends a promising future. The lessons learned from past defeats and the elation of recent victories provide a solid foundation for what lies ahead. With Messi leading the charge, Argentina remains a formidable force on the international stage.