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. In a move that stunned the football world, Messi announced, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.” At 29, Messi had already established himself as the linchpin of Argentina’s national squad, experiencing the heartbreak of falling at the final hurdle in three consecutive years—losing the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America to Chile, followed by that fateful night in 2016.
However, Messi’s decision to retire was short-lived. By August 2016, he had reversed his decision, fueled by an unrelenting desire to bring glory to his nation. That resolve paid off. Messi eventually ended his trophy drought with Argentina, securing the 2021 Copa America and adding the ultimate prize with the 2022 World Cup.
Fast forward to 2024, and Messi finds himself as one of only three players who were also part of the 2016 roster. The Argentine squad has rejuvenated itself with promising talents like 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old forward Alejandro Garnacho. In a recent match against Canada, Argentina demonstrated their attacking prowess by managing 19 shots on goal, although they underperformed based on their expected goals tally of 3.02. Defensively, the team allowed their opponents ten shots, something coach Lionel Scaloni is keen to address.
A New Era Under Scaloni
Under the meticulous eye of Scaloni, the Argentine team is evolving. Scaloni has articulated the need for situational adaptability, emphasizing, “We have a very particular strategy and game plan...try to avoid damage to our team and we will try to find the spaces, given the opponent.” The coach’s pragmatic approach underscores the necessity of living in the moment rather than resting on past laurels. “The cups that Chile won, the cups that we won...that is in the past,” he noted. “Each match is a different history and we have to face it as it comes. Previous titles don’t change that.”
Promising Performance Against Canada
The game against Canada highlighted both the strides and the gaps in the team’s performance. Julian Alvarez, starting alongside Messi, opened the scoring, while Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister. Messi, showing no signs of slowing down, demonstrated his continued elite-level capabilities with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal. Despite these bright spots, the team’s defensive vulnerabilities were evident, and Scaloni has hinted at key areas for improvement, particularly in limiting the opponent’s attack.
The Backbone of the Defense
The defense, anchored by Romero and Lisandro Martinez, has shown promise. The duo has solidified their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing, providing a crucial backbone for the team. Yet, Scaloni knows the defense must become more impenetrable to stand a chance against the top-tier teams awaiting them in future competitions.
Messi's Unaltered Influence
In a sport that constantly looks to the future, Messi’s enduring presence provides an invaluable asset to the team. Scaloni remarked on the significance of having Messi in the squad, dismissing the chatter about future potential and past glories. “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 moves forward to face new challenges, the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents offers a promising outlook. With Scaloni’s strategic nuanced approach and Messi’s undiminished brilliance, the team looks well-prepared to tackle what lies ahead, embodying a blend of historical experience and fresh energy.