Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium moments after Argentina’s national team lost the 2016 Copa America final on penalties to Chile. In a stunning announcement, Messi declared, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.” It was a moment of heartbreak for fans and a contemplative Messi, who had firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s squad by the age of 29. The pain of losing three consecutive finals—the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America titles to Chile—led to his temporary retirement from international football.
Messi's decision to reverse his retirement by August 2016 reignited the hopes of a nation. His perseverance and determination eventually paid off when he broke his trophy drought, securing the 2021 Copa America and the coveted 2022 World Cup. As of 2024, Messi remains one of only three players from the 2016 roster still representing Argentina, a testament to his enduring legacy and the evolution of the squad under coach Lionel Scaloni.
The New Generation
While Messi’s presence continues to be a cornerstone, the current team boasts emerging talent that showcases the squad's depth and potential. Players like 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho are vital components of Scaloni’s rejuvenated team. The duo represents the blend of experience and youthful vigor driving Argentina’s contemporary success.
Argentina recently demonstrated their attacking prowess by managing 19 shots against Canada, though their performance fell short of the 3.02 expected goals tally. Despite their offensive efforts, the team allowed Canada to take 10 shots on their goal, indicating areas that require tightening. Scaloni acknowledged this, hinting at the need for improvement, particularly in limiting opponents’ attacking opportunities.
“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,” Scaloni remarked, underscoring the tactical adaptability crucial for international competitions.
Defensive Solidity
The defensive framework has seen notable solidification with the pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez as Scaloni’s preferred center-backs. Their synergy and consistency have been pivotal in maintaining a strong defensive line, offering stability and confidence to the rest of the squad. This defensive robustness is complemented by the attacking capabilities of players like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Alvarez, who started alongside Messi against Canada, set the tone by opening the scoring. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing the team's offensive repertoire. Messi’s assist on Lautaro’s goal highlighted his continued elite-level capabilities, even as newer faces are woven into the fabric of the team.
The Present Focus
As Scaloni emphasized, the current focus remains on the present and the challenges at hand. “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 pointed out. His comments reflect a forward-looking mentality, recognizing the importance of learning from past experiences but not dwelling on them.
Messi’s journey with the national team is a narrative of resilience and redemption. From the despair of retirement to the euphoria of lifting the World Cup, his story intertwines with that of Argentina’s national team. For now, the team’s blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars aims to build on their recent success, navigating the challenges of each match with strategic precision and a collective spirit rooted in both historic legacy and present aspirations.