Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi made a declaration that shocked the football world. Standing at MetLife Stadium after Argentina’s loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final, Messi announced, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.” This moment marked the end of a turbulent summer, which saw Argentina falling short at the final hurdle for the third consecutive year, having previously lost the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America, again to Chile.
By August 2016, however, Messi had reversed his retirement decision, much to the relief of Argentine fans. Fast forward to the present, the Barcelona legend has since broken his trophy drought with the national team, securing the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. This triumphant resurgence has cemented his legacy as one of the greats of the game.
Building a New Team
Now at 36, Messi remains one of the pillars of Argentina’s national team, one of only three players from the 2016 squad still active on the 2024 roster. Joining him are seasoned veterans and promising young talents, creating a balanced blend of experience and exuberance. Key among these young faces is 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and the 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho.
Argentina's recent match against Canada showcased both the promise and the areas needing improvement for the team. Despite managing an impressive 19 shots, they underperformed in terms of their expected goals tally, achieving only a 3.02 xG. Positively, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez stepped up, finding the back of the net. Alvarez opened the scoring, while Martinez doubled the lead with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister, in a play that also featured Messi displaying his continued elite-level skills with an assist of his own.
Defensive Concerns
However, Canada was allowed to take 10 shots on Argentina's goal, an indication that defensive issues still linger. Coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged this, hinting at areas needing improvement, particularly in limiting their opponent’s attacking opportunities. With Romero and Lisandro Martinez solidifying their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing, the focus will likely be on tightening the defensive lines in upcoming fixtures.
Scaloni's Strategy
Coach Scaloni has been candid about the approach and mindset of his squad. Speaking to the press, he reflected on past successes while emphasizing the importance of focusing on 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 stated.
Scaloni also highlighted the adaptability of the team’s strategy. “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,” he explained. This strategic flexibility will be crucial as Argentina navigates the challenges of maintaining their status as a top-tier team.
Messi's Influence
Throughout it all, Messi's influence remains undeniable. Scaloni underscored Messi's significance not only in terms of skill but also of morale and experience. “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 noted. This presence of Messi is more than just about what he brings on the field; it's about the psychological boost and inspiration he provides to his teammates.
As Argentina looks to the rest of the season, the amalgamation of Messi’s legendary prowess, the rising talents of young players, and Scaloni’s strategic guidance will be essential. Their journey, marked by significant triumphs and lessons from past challenges, continues to captivate and inspire fans worldwide.