Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen, stunned fans around the globe as he announced his retirement from international football. Standing at MetLife Stadium after Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final, Messi, then 29, declared, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.” It was a proclamation of exhaustion and despair from the maestro who had carried the weight of an expectant nation for over a decade.
That moment seemed like the end of an era. Argentina had suffered three consecutive summer heartbreaks, losing in the finals of the 2014 World Cup to Germany and twice to Chile in the Copa America finals of 2015 and 2016. The pressure and disappointment were evidently too much for the talismanic forward, leading him to make such a decisive announcement.
However, in a twist emblematic of his resilience and love for the game, Messi reversed his retirement decision by August 2016. This decision would lead to him eventually breaking his trophy drought with Argentina by securing the 2021 Copa America and culminating in the ultimate glory, the 2022 World Cup. These victories not only cemented his legacy but also brought long-awaited joy to his nation.
A New Era with Experienced Guidance
Fast forward to 2024, Messi remains a key figure in the national squad. Remarkably, he is one of only three players from the 2016 roster still in the team, a testament to his enduring talent and importance. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has ingeniously blended seasoned warriors like Messi with the energy and vigor of younger talents such as 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho.
Scaloni, speaking on the team’s approach, emphasized the balance between respecting past achievements and concentrating on present challenges. “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 commented.
The Tactical Landscape
This philosophy was put to the test in a recent match against Canada. Argentina managed 19 shots, yet they underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally, illustrating an area where Scaloni sees room for improvement. Additionally, allowing Canada to take 10 shots against them highlighted defensive vulnerabilities.
With Romero and Lisandro Martinez solidifying their positions as Scaloni's preferred center-back pairing, there's a sense of stability in the defensive line. However, Scaloni hinted at the need to further limit opponents’ offensive opportunities, suggesting that adjustments in strategy are underway.
In the offensive department, the team showed promise. Julian Alvarez, starting alongside Messi, opened the scoring against Canada, exhibiting his knack for seizing crucial moments. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, beautifully assisted by Alexis Mac Allister. Messi, demonstrating he still operates at an elite level, assisted on Lautaro's goal, reinforcing his invaluable presence on the pitch.
A Proud Celebration
Scaloni's affection and respect for Messi were evident as he addressed concerns about the forward's future. “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 remarked. This sentiment encapsulates the team's current ethos—a focus on enjoying and maximizing the present while maintaining an eye for the challenges ahead.
As Argentina prepares for upcoming contests, the blend of experience and youth, guided by the strategic acumen of Scaloni and spearheaded by the ageless brilliance of Messi, makes for an exciting chapter in their storied football history. With the high expectations that come with past triumphs, the team continues to navigate the intricate dance of honoring their legacy while forging new paths to glory.