Almost eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, moments after Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. In a stunning turn of events, he announced his retirement from international football. “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can,” Messi stated, leaving fans across the globe in disbelief. At just 29, he had already established himself as the leader of Argentina’s squad, but three consecutive summers of near-misses had pushed him to the brink. Argentina had fallen short in the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and again in the 2015 Copa America final to Chile.
Messi’s decision, however, was short-lived. By August 2016, he had reversed his retirement, returning to the national team with renewed determination. His perseverance bore fruit as he finally broke his international trophy drought, leading Argentina to victory in both the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
Looking ahead to the 2024 roster, Messi remains one of only three players who participated in the 2016 tournament. This continuity is paired with an infusion of young talent, including 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old forward Alejandro Garnacho. The balance of experience and youth could be key to Argentina's success in upcoming competitions.
Recent Performance and Challenges
In a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots, yet underperformed relative to their 3.02 expected goals tally. This underperformance underscores some of the challenges the team faces. Notably, Argentina allowed Canada to register 10 shots on their goal, a defensive lapse that coach Lionel Scaloni is keen to address.
Scaloni hinted at areas needing improvement, particularly in limiting opponents' attacks. “We have a very particular strategy and game plan,” Scaloni explained. “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.”
Key Players Stepping Up
The partnership between central defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez has solidified under Scaloni’s guidance, forming the backbone of Argentina's defense. Upfront, Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi against Canada, showcased his potential by opening the scoring. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister, emphasizing the collaborative team effort and individual brilliance that typifies Argentina's current style of play. Messi, ever the maestro, demonstrated his elite-level capabilities by providing the assist for Lautaro Martinez’s goal, showcasing the blend of skill and vision that has defined his career.
Scaloni's Vision and Messi’s Influence
Reflecting on the 2016 Copa America and the titles won since then, Scaloni emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present. “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 remarked. This forward-looking approach is reflected in his strategies and the performance of his players.
Messi’s enduring presence in the squad continues to be a significant factor. Scaloni touched upon this, stating, “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.”
As Argentina prepares for future challenges, the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents under Scaloni’s leadership promises a dynamic and formidable team. Their recent performances, including the areas identified for improvement, provide a clear picture of their potential trajectory on the world stage.