Messi's Journey: From Heartbreak to Triumph
Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, grappling with the sting of defeat. Argentina had just lost the 2016 Copa America final on penalties to Chile. The heartache was almost too much for Messi to bear, leading him to make a stunning announcement: "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can." At 29, he had already emerged as the undisputed leader of Argentina's national squad, but the weight of three consecutive summers ending in heartache—the 2014 World Cup loss to Germany, followed by consecutive Copa America defeats to Chile in 2015 and 2016—seemed too heavy to shoulder.
However, Messi’s retirement from international football would be short-lived. By August 2016, he had reconsidered, a decision that would pave the way for future glory. Messi eventually broke his trophy drought, first securing the 2021 Copa America and then the 2022 World Cup, delivering the long-awaited titles for Argentina.
The 2024 Squad: A Blend of Youth and Experience
As Argentina gears up for another shot at international glory, Messi remains a central figure at 37, one of only three players on the 2024 roster who participated in the 2016 tournament. The squad has seen an infusion of young talent, including 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho. The blend of experienced veterans and hungry newcomers positions Argentina as a formidable opponent on the world stage.
In a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but failed to meet their expected goals tally of 3.02, underscoring areas for strategic refinement. At the same time, the defense allowed Canada to take 10 shots, revealing vulnerabilities that head coach Lionel Scaloni aims to address. "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," Scaloni explained. He emphasized the importance of limiting opponent attacks and solidifying defense partnerships, particularly the pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez.
Executing the Game Plan
The match against Canada also highlighted the effective partnership between Messi and younger players like Julian Alvarez. Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring, demonstrating the synergistic potential of old and new team members. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, with Messi providing a crucial assist, proving he still operates at an elite level.
Scaloni, reflecting on the evolving dynamics of the team, noted the importance of living in 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."
Scaloni’s philosophy of focusing on the present rather than being burdened by past triumphs or failures resonates deeply with the current squad. "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 added, underscoring both a practical and emotional approach to team leadership.
As Argentina continues to hone its strategy and play to the strengths of its diverse roster, the legacy of Messi and the team’s younger talents will inevitably intersect. The road ahead is complex, with each match presenting unique challenges, but with a blend of experienced leadership and youthful exuberance, Argentina aims to build on its heritage while forging a new path to success.