Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, grappling with the heartbreak of his team's loss in the 2016 Copa America final against Chile. The sting of losing on penalties led to a stunning declaration from the then 29-year-old Messi: “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.”
At that moment, Messi had solidified his role as the leader of Argentina’s national squad, after enduring three consecutive summers of painful disappointments—defeats in the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and back-to-back Copa America finals to Chile in 2015 and 2016. However, by August of that year, Messi reversed his retirement decision, much to the relief of his fans and teammates.
From Despair to Triumph
Messi's decision to return bore fruit in the years that followed. The football icon eventually ended his title drought with Argentina, securing the 2021 Copa America and the coveted 2022 World Cup. These victories marked a significant turnaround, not only for Messi but for Argentina's national team as well.
Fast forward to 2024, Messi is one of only three players on the current roster who participated in the 2016 tournament, a testament to his enduring legacy and unparalleled skill. Under the leadership of head coach Lionel Scaloni, the team has undergone a transformation, blending seasoned talent with youthful exuberance.
Emerging Stars and Tactical Evolution
The current squad features a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Center back Cristian Romero, aged 26, and 19-year-old forward Alejandro Garnacho represent the youthful dynamism that Scaloni has integrated into the team. Romero, along with Lisandro Martinez, has solidified his position as part of Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing, a cornerstone of Argentina's defensive strategy.
The evolution of this team was evident in their recent match against Canada. Despite managing 19 shots, Argentina underperformed on their expected goals tally of 3.02. However, Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring, demonstrating the team's offensive potential. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by the ever-reliable Alexis Mac Allister, with Messi contributing an assist that showcased his continued elite-level capabilities.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
However, the match against Canada also highlighted areas for improvement. Argentina allowed their opponents to take 10 shots on goal, prompting Scaloni to emphasize the need for a more robust defensive approach. “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 pointed out.
Understanding that each match brings its own set of challenges, Scaloni stressed the importance of living in the present. “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,” he noted.
The Present Moment
The present moment holds particular significance for Messi and the team. Celebrating his birthday and still contributing at the highest level, Messi remains a central figure in Argentina's quest for continued success. Scaloni highlighted Messi's role and the importance of cherishing 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 affirmed.
As Argentina looks ahead to upcoming challenges, the blend of experienced veterans like Messi and emerging talents offers a promising foundation. The journey from the heartbreak of 2016 to the triumphs of recent years encapsulates the resilience and evolution of this storied football nation. With Scaloni at the helm and Messi orchestrating the attack, Argentina’s national team continues to forge a path defined by both historical legacy and a bright, innovative future.