Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, reeling from another heartbreaking defeat. Argentina had just lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile on penalties. In a moment of raw emotion, Messi shocked the football world by announcing his retirement from international football. "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can," he stated, a sentiment shared by many who feared that his international career might truly be over.
At just 29, Messi was already the heart and soul of Argentina’s national team. Despite his heroics for club and country, he had endured a string of agonizing near-misses with Argentina. The 2014 World Cup final had ended in defeat against Germany, followed by back-to-back Copa America losses to Chile in 2015 and 2016. For Messi, it was a summer of unprecedented frustration.
However, by August 2016, Messi had reversed his decision. His return was hailed by fans and critics alike, and the footballing icon set his sights on breaking the national team's trophy drought. That momentous breakthrough eventually came in 2021 when Messi led Argentina to Copa America glory, followed by an even more coveted prize—the 2022 World Cup.
Now, Messi is one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also featured in the 2016 tournament. His presence brings not only skill but invaluable experience to a squad boasting emerging talents like 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old winger Alejandro Garnacho. This blend of seasoned veterans and youthful exuberance gives Argentina a formidable edge on the international stage.
Canada Match Analysis
In their recent outing against Canada, Argentina managed to launch 19 shots but fell short of their 3.02 expected goals tally. The Canadian side proved resilient, creating ten shots on goal, a statistic that led head coach Lionel Scaloni to highlight key areas for improvement. "We have a very particular strategy and game plan," Scaloni explained. "Each match is a different history and we have to face it as it comes. Previous titles don’t change that." This forward-looking mentality appears to be deeply ingrained in his coaching ethos.
The performance of Argentina's defense, particularly the center-back duo of Romero and Lisandro Martinez, has been impressive, but Scaloni noted that there is still room to improve in limiting their opponent's attacking opportunities. "What we do is try to adjust, try to avoid damage to our team," Scaloni said, emphasizing adaptability and caution in their approach.
Offensive Prowess and Scaloni's Vision
The offensive unit continues to prove its worth. Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi against Canada, opened the scoring, showcasing the seamless blend of old and new talent. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister. Demonstrating his undiminished quality, Messi provided the assist for Lautaro Martinez’s goal, a testament to his enduring elite-level capabilities.
Scaloni remains pragmatic and focused. "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 asserted. His words convey a deep understanding of the ephemeral nature of success and the importance of consistently striving to improve.
A Look at the Future
Despite the inevitable questions about Messi's future, Scaloni strikes a balance between celebrating the past and preparing for what's ahead. "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 said. It’s a powerful reminder that while past achievements provide a foundation, the present moment is where the real action happens.
As Argentina continues to evolve, the mix of Messi's experience with the vibrant energy of younger players paints a hopeful picture for the team. The journey from the heartbreak at MetLife Stadium to the euphoria of the World Cup victory has been long and arduous but also richly rewarding.
Looking forward, the focus remains on maintaining the balance between respecting past glories and forging new victories. With a tactician like Scaloni at the helm and leaders like Messi on the field, Argentina's footballing story is far from over; it’s merely entering a new, exciting chapter.