Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, processing the sting of Argentina's defeat in the 2016 Copa America final to Chile. In a shocking revelation, the then 29-year-old Messi announced his retirement from international football. "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can,” Messi lamented, drawing a line under a series of near-misses that saw Argentina lose the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America to Chile.
Just two months later, Messi overturned his decision, spurred on by an unyielding desire to lead his national team to victory. His persistence paid off, as he eventually led Argentina to triumph in the 2021 Copa America and followed it with the pinnacle of success, winning the 2022 World Cup. These victories not only ended his trophy drought but served as a testament to his enduring excellence and resilience.
A New Era with Familiar Faces
Fast-forward to today, Messi finds himself as one of only three players from the 2016 roster still representing Argentina in 2024, underscoring both his remarkable longevity and the younger talents shaping the squad. Argentina’s roster reflects a blend of seasoned experience and youthful exuberance. Anchoring the defense is 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero alongside 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho, promising a formidable future for the team.
Tough Challenges Ahead
Recent performances have showcased both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the team. In a match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but failed to fully capitalize on their 3.02 expected goals tally. Canada, on the other hand, was allowed to take 10 shots, highlighting key areas of improvement, particularly in limiting the opponent’s attack—a point not lost on Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni. “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,” Scaloni emphasized. His analysis points to the need for a more robust defensive strategy.
Messi’s Enduring Influence
Despite being in the twilight years of his illustrious career, Messi continues to exhibit his extraordinary skill set. In the clash against Canada, Messi’s assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal showcased his playmaking prowess and strategic vision, reaffirming his crucial role in the squad. Julian Alvarez, who began the match alongside Messi, opened the scoring, while Lautaro Martinez’s goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, solidified the team's attacking competence.
Even as he celebrates personal milestones, such as his recent birthday, Messi's focus remains on the collective success of the team. “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,” commented Scaloni, stressing the significance of Messi’s presence and the team's current objectives. This sentiment captures the essence of Argentina's approach: respecting history while being firmly grounded in the present.
Strategic Adjustments for Future Gains
Scaloni’s reliance on the center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez has paid dividends so far, forming a dependable defensive backbone. However, consistent performances and tactical refinements remain crucial as Argentina navigates through formidable competitions. Previous titles, as Scaloni pointed out, are in the past, and each match presents a new challenge. “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,” he remarked.
Indeed, as Argentina marches forward, blending Messi’s legendary experience with the fresh dynamism of emerging talents, the team remains poised for continued success. The lessons from past setbacks, coupled with strategic adaptations, pave the way for potential triumphs on the horizon. In the grand tapestry of football, Messi’s journey with Argentina exemplifies the convergence of persistence, skill, and collective ambition.