Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi, standing on the pitch at MetLife Stadium, seemed to draw the curtain on his international career. The heartbreak of losing the 2016 Copa America final on penalties to Chile was too much to bear. At the age of 29, having firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national team, Messi announced, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.”
It was a declaration that echoed around the world. This was Messi’s third consecutive summer of despair, following the final defeats in the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America to Chile. However, by August 2016, Messi had reversed his retirement decision, bringing hope back to Argentina’s faithful.
A New Dawn
Fast forward to recent times, and Messi's persistence has been handsomely rewarded. He eventually broke his trophy drought with Argentina by securing the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Messi today stands as a stalwart of the team, one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament.
The current squad, now transitioned into a blend of experienced stalwarts and promising talents, boasts the likes of 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho. Together, they maneuver through matches with a mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned precision.
Assessing Team Performance
Recently, Argentina’s clash against Canada revealed both strengths and areas in need of improvement. Despite managing 19 shots, Argentina underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally, signaling opportunities left uncapitalized. On the defensive front, Argentina allowed Canada to take 10 shots on their goal, an area head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledges requires tightening.
“We have a very particular strategy and game plan and the opponent poses difficulties,” Scaloni explained. “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.”
Building on Success
In this tactical setup, the center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez has proven to be a robust defensive duo, solidifying their positions in Scaloni’s preferred lineup. This was evident when Argentina took on Canada, a match in which Julian Alvarez, starting alongside Messi, opened the scoring, setting the pace for a hard-fought triumph.
Lautaro Martinez, another offensive stalwart, added a second goal against Canada, assisted by the ever-reliable Alexis Mac Allister. Messi, demonstrating his enduring elite-level capabilities, contributed an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal, affirming his invaluable presence on the field.
Embracing the Present
For Scaloni, the focus remains on the present. He emphasizes the importance of living in the moment rather than dwelling on past conquests or defeats. “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,” Scaloni remarked.
As Argentina continues to navigate its ongoing journey, the blend of evolving strategies, rising stars, and the timeless brilliance of players like Messi promises a compelling narrative for fans and pundits alike. Scaloni, ever the cautious strategist, reiterates the balance of preparedness and adaptability, ensuring that his players remain focused and resilient.
“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 added, encapsulating the essence of their approach.
Ultimately, Messi and the current Argentina squad symbolize resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With each match, they continue to write new chapters, resiliently facing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, all while keeping an unwavering eye on the ultimate goal – success on the international stage.