Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium in profound disappointment. It was following Argentina's loss in the 2016 Copa America final, a defeat that came by way of penalties to Chile. A memorable moment ensued as Messi, then the undeniable leader of Argentina’s national team at 29, made a stunning announcement: he would retire from international football.
Messi's decision resonated as a poignant declaration of his immense frustration. Having seen his team fall short in three successive summers—losing the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the Copa America finals in both 2015 and 2016 to Chile—it appeared the weight of expectations had finally taken its toll. "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can," Messi said at the time, encapsulating the agony of repeated near-misses.
However, by August of 2016, Messi had reversed his decision to retire, a choice that would ultimately lead to triumph. Indeed, Messi and Argentina would go on to break their trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, validating his return with silverware that had eluded the team for so long.
Continuity and Change
Fast forward to the present, Messi, now one of only three players on Argentina’s 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament, continues to defy the passage of time. The current squad, a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, features players like 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and the 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, signaling a robust future for Argentine football.
The recent performance against Canada in a friendly match highlighted both strengths and areas needing improvement. Argentina managed an impressive 19 shots but underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally, encapsulating a tale of missed opportunities. Conversely, Argentina's defense allowed Canada to take 10 shots on goal, a statistic that coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged as needing attention.
Defensive Solidity and Tactical Adaptability
Scaloni has worked to solidify Argentina’s defense, with Romero and Lisandro Martinez forming the crux of the backline. This center-back pairing provides a mix of aggression and composure, crucial for a balanced defensive unit. Yet, Scaloni hinted at a necessity for further improvements: "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."
In attack, Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, showcased his burgeoning talent by opening the scoring against Canada. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister, underscoring Argentina's attacking prowess. Messi, ever the maestro, demonstrated his elite-level capabilities with a deft assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal, reminding fans and pundits alike of his enduring brilliance.
Eyes on the Present
Interestingly, Scaloni’s comments reflect a profound understanding of the volatility inherent in international football. “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, emphasizing a forward-looking philosophy.
The blend of seasoned and fresh talent speaks volumes about Argentina's evolving tactics and adaptability. As Scaloni rightly pointed out: "The present is very important. What's in the past is in the past and he [Messi] is enjoying his birthday. We want him to have a good time.”
The echoes of past glories and heartaches still reverberate, but it is the present that demands the most focus. For Lionel Messi and Argentina, the journey continues with an eye firmly fixed on future challenges, fortified by the lessons of the past. The blend of veterans and rising stars positions Argentina as a formidable force, poised to add new chapters to its storied football history.