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," said Messi, a declaration that reverberated through the world of football.
At 29, Messi had firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad. Yet, the heartache of falling short in three consecutive summers—losing the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America to Chile—drove him to a breaking point. However, by August 2016, Messi reversed his decision, setting the stage for future triumphs.
Indeed, Messi's perseverance bore fruit as he eventually broke his trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Today, Messi remains a vital figure on the roster, one of only three players who also participated in the 2016 tournament. His undying commitment continues to inspire a new generation of Argentine footballers.
New Faces and Challenges
The current team has an infusion of youthful talent, boasting players like 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho. This blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars reflects a promising future for Argentina. However, their recent performances indicate areas needing improvement.
In a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed an impressive 19 shots but underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally. Despite the attacking prowess, they allowed Canada to take 10 shots, something head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledges as a concern. "We have a very particular strategy and game plan and the opponent poses difficulties," Scaloni said. "What we do is try to adjust, try to avoid damage to our team... 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."
Key Contributions and Areas for Improvement
Scaloni hinted at the need for key improvements, particularly in limiting the opponent's attack. The center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez has solidified itself as Scaloni’s preferred choice, adding stability to the backline. Meanwhile, the offensive contributions from young talents show promise. Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi against Canada, opened the scoring, while Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister.
Messi, despite his age, continues to demonstrate his elite-level capabilities, assisting on Lautaro Martinez’s goal—a testament to his enduring influence and skill. Scaloni praised Messi’s focus on the present rather than dwelling on past achievements. "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 emphasized.
Building Towards Future Success
As Messi celebrates his birthday amidst these campaigns, Scaloni and the team remain focused on the present challenges. “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.
With a mix of experienced leaders and rising stars, Argentina's national squad is poised to build on its recent successes. The journey may have its hurdles, but the team’s resilience and strategic adjustments ensure they remain a formidable force on the world stage.
As the football world watches, Messi and his teammates continue their quest for glory, mindful of their storied past but firmly grounded in the here and now. Their collective focus on each match as a new challenge underlines the team's dedication to excellence and their drive to keep Argentina at the pinnacle of world football.