Almost exactly eight years ago, the world of football was stunned when Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium and announced his retirement from international football. This moment came hard on the heels of Argentina's loss in the 2016 Copa America final to Chile on penalties. The weight of three consecutive summers of disappointment, including the 2014 World Cup final defeat to Germany and another Copa America loss to Chile in 2015, seemed too much for Messi to bear.
At 29, Messi was in his prime and had firmly cemented his role as the leader of the Argentine national team. His declaration, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can,” left fans and pundits alike in shock. However, by August of the same year, Messi had reversed his decision, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Messi's return bore fruit as he eventually broke his international trophy drought. Argentina secured the 2021 Copa America and the crowning glory came with their triumph in the 2022 World Cup. Fast forward to 2024, Messi is one of only three players on the current roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament. This speaks volumes about his enduring quality and resilience.
New Faces and Veterans Unite
The current team also boasts a mix of experienced players and new talent. Key among them are 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho, aged 19. This blend of youth and experience aims to build on Argentina's recent successes while looking to the future.
In their recent match against Canada, Argentina managed to take 19 shots but underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally. Meanwhile, Canada was allowed to take 10 shots at their goal, highlighting areas for improvement. Scaloni, the team's manager, has pointed out the need to limit their opponent's attack as a crucial focus.
Solid Defense and Tactical Adjustments
Under Scaloni's guidance, Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified their positions as the preferred center-back pairing. This stability at the back is a cornerstone of Argentina's tactical setup. The team’s defensive resolve will be critical in the matches to come.
Scaloni, always meticulous in his approach, commented on the team’s adaptability: “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.”
Offensive Strength
On the offensive end, Argentina continues to showcase its firepower. Julian Alvarez, who played alongside Messi against Canada, opened the scoring, setting the tone for the match. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, exemplifying the team’s depth in attacking options. Messi, even after all these years, demonstrated his continued elite-level capabilities by providing the assist for Lautaro Martinez’s goal.
Focus on the Present
Messi’s journey with the national team has been one of remarkable highs and lows. Reflecting on the present, Scaloni emphasized the importance of focusing on the here and now: “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 further added, “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.”
As Argentina continues its campaign, the blend of Messi's experience and the youthful exuberance of players like Garnacho will be pivotal. The lessons from past tournaments, coupled with Scaloni’s strategic nous, set the stage for an intriguing period ahead for the Argentine national team. Expectations are high, but with Messi leading the charge, Argentina is poised to aim for even greater heights.