Messi's Redemption Arc and Argentina's Continued Evolution
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.” The football world was left in shock. At 29, Messi had firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad. The agony of falling short was too much to bear, it seemed, for a man used to scaling the heights of the sport.
It was the third consecutive summer that Argentina faltered at the final hurdle, having lost the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America to Chile. Just two months after his resignation, Messi reversed his retirement decision by August 2016. The narrative of unfulfilled potential would finally be rewritten years later. Messi broke his trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, cementing his legacy as one of football's greats.
A New Generation Emerges
As the 2024 tournament looms, Messi remains one of only three players from the 2016 roster. The current squad blends experienced talents with exciting new faces, a dynamic that adds depth and versatility to Argentina’s line-up. Center-back Cristian Romero, now 26, and 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho are part of this exciting evolution.
In a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but underperformed given their 3.02 expected goals tally. Canada was allowed 10 shots on Argentina's goal, a significant number that caught the attention of team management. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has focused on this aspect, hinting at key areas 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,” said Scaloni, emphasizing the importance of focusing on today's challenges instead of dwelling on past glories.
Defensive Solidity and Tactical Flexibility
Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing, a testament to the team's defensive solidity. Scaloni’s strategy revolves around a meticulous game plan designed to adapt to the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. “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, 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,” Scaloni explained.
The match against Canada also saw Julian Alvarez taking the spotlight, starting alongside Messi and opening the scoring. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, illustrating the effectiveness of Argentina's attacking department. Messi, proving he still operates at an elite level, provided a mesmerising assist for Lautaro Martinez’s goal, showcasing his enduring influence on the team’s fortunes.
The Present and Future of Argentine Football
Scaloni’s approach is deeply rooted in 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 remarked, perhaps capturing the essence of Messi’s continued presence in the squad. It's a sentiment that underscores the blend of reverence and pragmatism with which Argentina approaches each tournament.
As Argentina moves forward, the blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance seems poised to provide the team with the resilience and flexibility needed for success. The balance achieved between honoring past achievements and focusing on present challenges will be crucial in their quest for future glory.
With Messi steering the ship and Scaloni meticulously plotting the course, Argentina’s ambitions are clear: to sustain its legacy while evolving to meet the demands of modern football. The narrative of perseverance, adaptation, and unwavering passion continues to unfold, much like the career of their talismanic number ten.