Almost exactly eight years ago, the football world was rocked when Lionel Messi, standing at MetLife Stadium moments after Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final, announced his retirement from international football. "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can," he said, leaving fans and pundits alike in disbelief.
At just 29, Messi had already firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national team. However, consecutive defeats at the final hurdles—losing the 2014 World Cup to Germany and back-to-back Copa America finals to Chile in 2015 and 2016—had taken their toll on the football maestro.
But Messi's retirement was short-lived. By August 2016, he had reversed his decision, returning with renewed vigor to pursue the elusive international silverware. This perseverance eventually bore fruit; Messi's persistence saw him lift the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, breaking a trophy drought that had weighed heavily on his illustrious career.
The New Generation
Fast forward to 2024, and Messi is now one of only three players on the current roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament. At 37, his experience remains invaluable, yet the team also brims with youthful talent. The roster features a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging stars, such as 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho.
In recent matches, Argentina's attacking prowess has been on full display. During a match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots, significantly underperforming on their 3.02 expected goals tally but still securing a 2-0 victory. Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring, while Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister. Messi, demonstrating his continued elite-level capabilities, played a crucial role with an assist on Martinez’s goal.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the victory, head coach Lionel Scaloni was quick to point out areas needing improvement. Argentina allowed Canada to take 10 shots on their goal, an indicator that their defensive solidity requires attention. "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," Scaloni reflected.
Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified their positions as Scaloni's preferred center-back pairing, yet even this robust defense must adapt and refine to limit opponents' scoring threats more effectively. Scaloni repeatedly emphasized the importance of living in the present, a message he echoes to his team: "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."
Messi's Impact and Legacy
Messi's presence in the squad, transcending mere technical contributions, serves as a cornerstone of inspiration for the entire team. "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 noted, reflecting the unified respect and admiration for the talismanic figure.
Messi's journey has been one of resilience and ultimate triumph. From the crushing lows of multiple final losses and a fleeting retirement to the soaring highs of securing major international titles, his story continues to inspire both his teammates and millions of fans worldwide.
As Argentina looks ahead, balancing the rich legacy of its past with the bright promise of its future, Messi remains at the heart of its ambitions. This duality of experience and youth, of past glories and future potential, forms the bedrock of Scaloni's strategy—aiming not just to win matches but to forge a lasting legacy on the global stage.