Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium moments after his team lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile and made a stunning announcement: “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.” At 29, Messi had firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad. The announcement came on the heels of three consecutive heartbreaking summers for Argentina, which included falling short in the 2014 World Cup against Germany and losing the 2015 Copa America to Chile.
However, Messi, known for his resilience and passion, reversed his retirement decision by August 2016. This decision set the stage for his journey to eventually break his trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and the coveted 2022 World Cup. Now, Messi is one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament, a testament to his sustained excellence and leadership.
A New Era for Argentina
As the Argentine squad looks ahead, they blend experienced stalwarts with budding talent. The team boasts a mix of seasoned players like Messi and promising newcomers such as 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho. This combination of experience and youth brings a dynamic balance to the squad.
In a recent confrontation with Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but underperformed relative to their 3.02 expected goals tally. On the defensive front, they allowed Canada to take 10 shots on their goal, signaling areas of concern. Coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in limiting their opponent’s offensive opportunities. Scaloni noted, “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.”
Emerging Defensive Prowess
Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing. Their understanding and camaraderie on the field are becoming a cornerstone of Argentina’s defensive strategy. Despite the need for improvement indicated in the match against Canada, the pair has shown promise in marshaling the defense and providing a solid backbone for the team.
Offensive Flair and Contributions
On the offensive side, Argentina's talents were on full display against Canada. Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by the industrious Alexis Mac Allister. Messi, ever the playmaker, demonstrated his continued elite-level capabilities with an assist on Martinez’s goal, underscoring his invaluable presence on the field.
Coach Scaloni’s philosophy revolves around living in the present and not resting on past laurels. “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 stressed. This mindset is deeply instilled in the team, driving them to approach each game with a fresh perspective and relentless determination.
The affection and respect for Messi within the team are palpable, with Scaloni highlighting the importance of cherishing the present moment. “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.
As Messi continues to lead by example and with a blend of experienced and young talent, Argentina is poised to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. The team's balanced mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance creates an exciting dynamic, and their commitment to evolving and improving bodes well for their future prospects. With Scaloni's strategic insight and the players' determined spirit, the Argentine squad is ready to forge new chapters in their storied football legacy.