Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, moments after his team lost the 2016 Copa America final on penalties 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, but after consecutive heartbreaks—falling short in the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and in the 2015 Copa America final to Chile—the burden seemed too heavy to bear.
However, by August 2016, Messi had reconsidered and reversed his retirement decision, much to the relief of fans and teammates alike. Fast forward to today, Messi has added two significant trophies to his illustrious career: the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. His journey from despair to triumph is a testament to his resilience and unparalleled talent.
A Journey of Redemption
Remarkably, Messi is one of only three players from the 2016 roster still representing Argentina in 2024, illustrating both his longevity and consistency. The current squad features rising stars like 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, who embody the fresh talent energizing the team.
In a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but fell short of their 3.02 expected goals tally. Canada, on the other hand, managed to take 10 shots on Argentina’s goal—an area that coach Lionel Scaloni identified for improvement. “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,” Scaloni said. His words highlight the tactical intricacies that modern football demands.
Solidifying Defense
The defensive pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez has become Scaloni’s preferred choice, bringing stability to Argentina’s backline. Their synergy and understanding have been pivotal in recent successes, yet Scaloni insists there’s room for growth, particularly in limiting the opponent’s chances. “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 emphasized.
Offensive Prowess
On the offensive front, young talents like Julian Alvarez have shown their potential. Alvarez, who started alongside Messi in the match against Canada, opened the scoring. Lautaro Martinez added another goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing the depth and versatility of Argentina’s attacking options. Messi, defying age and continuing to perform at an elite level, contributed an exquisite assist for Lautaro Martinez’s goal, reinforcing his indispensable role in the team.
Scaloni’s focus on the present is evident not just in his lineup choices but also in his outlook. “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 said regarding Messi, underlining the importance of enjoying the moment while competing at the highest level.
Road Ahead
As Argentina gears up for future tournaments, balancing youthful exuberance with veteran experience will be crucial. The seamless integration of players like Garnacho and the continued brilliance of Messi form a potent combination for Scaloni’s squad. Addressing defensive lapses and optimizing their attacking strategies will be key areas of focus as they aim to build on their recent successes.
Messi’s story with the national team, from the verge of retirement to eventual glory, serves as an inspiration—not just to his teammates but to fans worldwide. His journey exemplifies the highs and lows of football and illustrates why he remains one of the sport’s most enduring figures. With Scaloni at the helm and a blend of seasoned and emerging talent, Argentina appears well-prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.