Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, his face a picture of frustration and heartbreak, moments after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final on penalties to Chile. What followed was a stunning announcement: Messi, then 29 and the undisputed leader of his national team, declared his retirement from international football. “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can,” he said, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
However, in a twist that only added to his legendary status, Messi reversed his decision by August 2016. His comeback marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually see him break his trophy drought, culminating in winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Fast forward to today, and Messi is one of only three players on Argentina's 2024 roster who also graced the field during the 2016 tournament.
A New Era Under Scaloni
Under the stewardship of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has evolved into a team with a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. With veterans like Messi guiding the way and emerging talents such as 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, the squad is well-poised for future successes.
“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,” Scaloni remarked. His emphasis on flexibility and adaptability has been key to shaping Argentina into a formidable force.
Mixed Performance Against Canada
The recent match against Canada highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of Scaloni’s side. Argentina managed an impressive 19 shots but fell short of their 3.02 expected goals tally, emphasizing a need for clinical finishing. On the defensive end, the team allowed Canada to take 10 shots, an area Scaloni identified for improvement.
“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,” Scaloni said, emphasizing the focus on current challenges rather than resting on past laurels.
Defensive Solidity and Attacking Flair
Despite the lapses against Canada, the center-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez has solidified its place as Scaloni’s preferred choice. This defensive backbone provides a platform for the team's more attacking talents to shine. Julian Alvarez, partnered with Messi, opened the scoring against Canada, showcasing Argentina’s attacking depth.
Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by the industrious Alexis Mac Allister. Messi’s continued elite-level capabilities were on full display as he provided the assist for Lautaro Martinez’s goal, illustrating that, even at his age, he remains a vital cog in the Argentine machine.
Focused on the Present
For Messi and Argentina, the focus is firmly on the present. “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,” Scaloni asserted, appreciating Messi’s influence both on and off the pitch.
The journey from Messi's heartbreak in 2016 to the current day is a testament to resilience and a relentless pursuit of glory. As Argentina moves forward, they do so with a clear understanding of their history but with eyes firmly set on the immediate challenges ahead. Each match under Scaloni is a new chapter, driven by strategy, adaptability, and a blend of youthful vigor and veteran prowess.
For now, Argentina’s storied past and promising future converge in the vibrant canvas of the present, painting a picture of a team that has learned from its battles, and, under the guidance of its legendary figures, stands ready to tackle whatever comes next.