Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood shattered at MetLife Stadium after Argentina's heart-wrenching loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. Overcome with emotion, Messi shocked the world by announcing his retirement from international football. “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can,” he said. At 29, Messi had firmly cemented himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad, but the burden of falling short in three consecutive summers—losing the 2014 World Cup to Germany and back-to-back Copa America finals to Chile—had taken its toll.
However, the retirement was short-lived. By August 2016, Messi reversed his decision, driven by an unrelenting passion and determination to achieve glory with his national team. This resolve eventually paid off, as he broke his trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and the coveted 2022 World Cup. These victories not only solidified Messi’s legendary status but also reinvigorated Argentina’s national squad.
Fast forward to today, as Messi remains a crucial figure for Argentina, one of only three players from the 2016 roster still actively contributing to the team. The changing dynamics within the squad have also brought forth new talents like 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho, adding depth and fresh energy to the team.
Recent performances, however, indicate areas for improvement. In a match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but significantly underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally. While they secured a victory with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister and Messi respectively, the defense allowed Canada to take 10 shots on goal. Head coach Lionel Scaloni was quick to recognize the need for a tighter defense and a more cohesive performance, particularly in limiting their opponents' attacking opportunities.
“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,” said Scaloni, emphasizing the importance of focusing on present challenges rather than resting on past laurels.
With a well-defined strategy and a keen awareness of opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, Scaloni continues to adapt his game plans. “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,” he explained.
Central to Scaloni's plans is the defensive pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez, who have become his preferred choices at center-back. Their partnership has been crucial in providing the foundation needed for Argentina to build from the back.
Offensively, the combination of experienced players like Messi—who demonstrated his ongoing prowess with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal—and rising stars such as Alvarez promises a balanced attack. Alvarez, who started alongside Messi against Canada, opened the scoring, showcasing his potential to become a key player in Argentina’s future endeavors.
Scaloni also acknowledges Messi's enduring influence both on and off the pitch. “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, underscoring the significance of Messi’s presence for team morale.
As Argentina continues to evolve, the blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent provides a promising outlook. The lessons learned from past defeats and the triumphs achieved in recent years are undoubtedly shaping the team's current approach. With Messi at the helm and Scaloni’s strategic acumen, Argentina is poised to face forthcoming challenges with renewed vigor and focus.