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,” Messi proclaimed, a sentiment that left fans and pundits alike in disbelief. At 29 years old, Messi had firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad, yet three consecutive summer heartbreaks seemed to have taken their toll.
In the summers leading up to that moment, Argentina had stumbled at the final hurdle repeatedly—losing the 2014 World Cup to Germany and both the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals to Chile. The sequence of disappointments led Messi to momentarily retire from international football, a decision he would reverse by August 2016, much to the collective relief of his supporters.
Fast forward to 2021, Messi finally broke his trophy drought with Argentina by securing the Copa America title, marking a turning point in his illustrious career. He went on to captivate the world once more by leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup. Today, Messi is one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament, a testament to his enduring excellence and unwavering dedication to the national team.
Maturing Squad Amidst Emerging Talent
As Argentina gears up for future competitions, the team boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces. Notably, 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero has emerged as a defensive stalwart, while 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho represents the new wave of talent. This blend of experience and youth could be critical for Argentina's strategy on the international stage.
Despite the promising roster, the team's recent performance against Canada highlighted areas for improvement. Argentina managed 19 shots but underperformed with their 3.02 expected goals tally, frequently failing to convert opportunities. On the defensive end, they allowed Canada to take 10 shots, signaling potential vulnerabilities that need addressing. Head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged these issues, particularly emphasizing the need to limit their opponent’s attacking opportunities.
“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,” Scaloni explained, underlining the challenges that lie ahead. He added, “Each match is a different history and we have to face it as it comes. Previous titles don’t change that.”
Defensive Solidity and Offensive Prowess
Despite these concerns, there are bright spots for Argentina. The center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez has solidified itself as Scaloni’s preferred defensive duo, offering stability at the back. Offensively, the team showed flashes of brilliance against Canada. Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring, showcasing his potential to be a significant offensive contributor. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister, demonstrating the team’s attacking depth.
Messi himself proved he still possesses the elite-level capabilities that have defined his career. An assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal served as a reminder of his invaluable presence and playmaking skills. Scaloni acknowledged the importance of keeping the focus on the present, despite Messi's storied past. “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.
The narrative arc of Lionel Messi’s international career is one of resilience and redemption. From the depths of despair in 2016 to the heights of glory in 2022, Messi’s journey embodies the relentless pursuit of greatness. As Argentina continues to fine-tune their squad and strategy, one thing remains clear: with Messi at the helm and a blend of seasoned leaders and emerging talent, they are well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead.