Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi, standing at MetLife Stadium, made a stunning announcement after Argentina's 2016 Copa America final loss to Chile. At 29, having firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad, Messi declared, "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can."
That moment marked a nadir in Messi's international career, following three consecutive summers where Argentina fell at the final hurdle, losing the 2014 World Cup to Germany and back-to-back Copa America finals to Chile. However, by August 2016, Messi had reversed his retirement decision, a pivotal choice that would eventually lead to breaking his trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
Rebuilding the Squad
Fast forward to the present, Messi remains one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament. Alongside him, Lionel Scaloni has crafted a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, including 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho.
In their recent match against Canada, Argentina dominated possession and managed 19 shots. Despite this, they underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally, allowing Canada to take 10 shots on their goal. Scaloni, well aware of the team's defensive frailties, hinted at key areas for improvement, particularly in limiting their opponent’s attack. "We have a very particular strategy and game plan and the opponent poses difficulties," 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."
Strength in Defense
Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing, offering a formidable defensive backbone for the squad. Their ability to read the game and neutralize threats has been a cornerstone of Argentina's recent successes.
Offensive Prowess
On the offensive front, Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi against Canada, showcased his scoring prowess by opening the scoring. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, further cementing Argentina’s attacking capabilities. Messi, demonstrating his continued elite-level skills, contributed with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal.
Living in the Present
Despite the scars of past defeats, Scaloni’s philosophy emphasizes living in the here and now. "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," Scaloni said. His pragmatic approach ensures that Argentina remains focused on current challenges rather than dwelling on history.
For Messi, reaching this stage in his career is about savoring 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. What's in the past is in the past and he is enjoying his birthday. We want him to have a good time," Scaloni reflected.
As Argentina moves forward, the blend of Messi's experience and the vibrancy of its younger players offers a promising horizon. Balancing lessons from the past with the excitement of the present, the team looks equipped to tackle the challenges ahead, continuing to aim for glory on the world stage.