Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi was poised at MetLife Stadium, moments after his team lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile on penalties, to deliver a stunning announcement: “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.” At 29, Messi, who had already cemented himself as the heartbeat of Argentina’s national squad, was heartbroken by another near miss.
Those moments followed the third consecutive summer that Argentina stumbled at the final hurdle, having lost the 2014 World Cup to Germany, and then the 2015 Copa America, again to Chile. However, Messi was not finished yet. By August 2016, he reversed his retirement decision, a turn that would eventually pay off in golden dividends.
The Road to Redemption
Messi broke his prolonged trophy drought by finally lifting the 2021 Copa America and capping his international career with the ultimate glory—the 2022 World Cup. Now, at 37, he remains irreplaceable, one of only three players on Argentina’s 2024 roster who also played in the 2016 Copa America.
With new talents such as 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho joining the squad, Argentina appears ready to forge another path to success. Their recent performance against Canada highlighted both promise and areas for improvement. Argentina managed 19 shots but fell short of their 3.02 expected goals tally, eventually hearing the final whistle with some frustration.
The Defensive Equation
Argentina also allowed Canada to take 10 shots on goal, revealing vulnerabilities in their defense. Coach Lionel Scaloni, while discussing these challenges, emphasized, “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, whose tactical insights have been pivotal for Argentina, has made it clear that each match is a unique narrative. “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 said.
The New Backbone
The defensive setup now prominently features Romero and Lisandro Martinez, who have solidified their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing. This new backbone will be crucial as Argentina continues to navigate through the competitive landscape of international football.
The Offensive Strides
In the attacking department, the talent pool is equally impressive. Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi against Canada, opened the scoring, affirming his rising stature. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister—another indication of the squad's depth in quality.
Of course, Messi remains the linchpin. His assist for Lautaro Martinez’s goal against Canada showcased his undiminished skills and vision on the field, a testament to his elite level even in the twilight of his career.
Focus on the Present
Scaloni summarized the team's mindset aptly: “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.” This focus on the present, on each game as a new chapter, is what drives this Argentine squad.
Messi’s journey with Argentina is a saga of perseverance, talent, and ultimately, redemption. As he continues to don the national colors, the team around him pulses with youthful vigor and seasoned expertise, all aiming to make their mark while learning from past glories and missteps. The narrative of Messi and Argentina is far from over, as every moment on the field adds to a captivating story that continues to unfold in real time.