Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, his face a picture of heartbreak after Argentina's harrowing loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. In the emotional aftermath, Messi stunned the world by announcing his retirement from international football. "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can," he declared, a testament to his frustration after a devastating string of near-misses for Argentina.
At 29, Messi was then undeniably the heart and soul of the Argentinian squad, having endured consecutive summers of heartache, including the agonizing extra-time defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final and another loss to Chile in the 2015 Copa America. Just months later, Messi reversed his retirement decision, a choice that would eventually lead him to the glory that had eluded him.
Messi's Redemption and Leadership
Messi finally broke his international trophy drought in 2021, lifting the Copa America trophy, and capped it off by winning the 2022 World Cup. His journey of redemption has not only been a personal triumph but a rallying force for the national team. "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," said Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's head coach, capturing the forward-looking ethos of the team.
Remarkably, Messi is one of just three players who were part of the 2016 squad and are still donning the elusive blue and white jersey in 2024. This continuity has been crucial as Argentina brings in new talents such as 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old forward Alejandro Garnacho, hoping to build a robust path for future success.
Recent Performance and Tactical Adjustments
Recent matches have showcased both the strengths and areas for improvement within this evolving Argentinian squad. In a recent outing against Canada, Argentina managed an impressive 19 shots but fell short of expectations, underperforming on their 3.02 expected goals tally. Despite this offensive prowess, they also allowed Canada to take 10 shots, revealing defensive vulnerabilities.
"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," explained Scaloni, indicating awareness of these defensive challenges.
Scaloni's comments are a nod to the fine balance this team must strike between its aggressive attacking strategy and solid defense. Notably, the partnership between Romero and Lisandro Martinez has provided a strong foundation at the back, which will be critical as they fine-tune their defensive setup.
The Stars Shine Bright
The match against Canada also highlighted the team's individual brilliance. Julian Alvarez, starting alongside Messi, opened the scoring, reaffirming his growing importance in the squad. Lautaro Martinez doubled the scoreline with a goal assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing the potent attacking options at Scaloni's disposal.
Messi, ever the maestro, demonstrated his undiminished skill with a deft assist on Lautaro Martinez's goal, underscoring his enduring elite-level capabilities. As Scaloni aptly put it, “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."
Focusing on the Future
Argentina's mixed performance against Canada serves as both a wake-up call and a reminder of the team's remarkable potential. Scaloni's insight into the team's strategy and areas for improvement highlights the meticulous planning that is going into each match. The clear message is that while past victories are cherished, they are not resting on those laurels.
The blend of veteran experience and youthful energy seems to be the cornerstone of Argentina’s resurgence. With figures like Messi leading by example and promising talents like Garnacho stepping up, the team is crafting a future that builds on its storied past while continually evolving.
As Lionel Messi celebrates his enduring legacy, both he and the squad remain firmly focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This forward-thinking mentality encapsulates the spirit of Scaloni's leadership and Argentina's quest to remain a powerhouse on the global stage. Each match is indeed a new chapter in their journey, one they approach with ambition, and meticulous strategy.