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.” At 29, Messi had firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad. The bitter defeat marked the third consecutive summer that Argentina fell at the final hurdle, following losses in the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America to Chile. Many fans were left stunned by Messi’s declaration, but relief would soon follow.
Within mere months, by August 2016, Messi reversed his retirement decision, much to the delight of Argentina fans. The rollercoaster continued for Messi, but his perseverance paid off. He eventually broke his trophy drought by securing a monumental 2021 Copa America victory followed by Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign, cementing his place not just in Argentine soccer lore but in the annals of world football.
Fast forward to 2024, Messi remains an integral figure in the national team, a testament to his enduring talent and leadership. Remarkably, he is one of only three players on the 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament. Argentina’s revamped squad now features burgeoning talents like 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and the promising 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho.
The New Guard
While Messi continues to be the linchpin, Argentina’s current squad blends the brilliance of youth and experience under the keen eye of Coach Lionel Scaloni. Scaloni has emphasized a balanced approach, understanding the importance of each match. “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 remarked.
In their recent match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but fell short of their 3.02 expected goals tally, a clear indicator of their need to improve finishing in the final third. Defensively, the team allowed Canada to take 10 shots, revealing vulnerabilities. Scaloni hinted at these key areas for improvement, particularly emphasizing the need to limit their opponent’s attacking opportunities.
Defensive Solidity
Despite these challenges, the central defensive partnership of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez has solidified as Scaloni’s favored choice. Their synergy will be crucial as Argentina navigates through the competitive fixtures ahead. The pair exemplifies a robust defensive framework that counters high-pressure situations effectively, setting a foundation for the team’s forward play.
Offensive Prowess
On the attacking front, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez have started to form a formidable partnership. Alvarez, who started alongside Messi in the match against Canada, opened the scoring, showcasing his clinical finishing. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, demonstrating the team’s fluid attacking dynamics. Messi, ever the maestro, contributed with an assist on Lautaro’s goal, reaffirming his elite-level capabilities and vision.
Scaloni praised Messi’s influence within the squad, underscoring the irreplaceable value of his presence. “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 said.
Future Prospects
As Argentina continues its journey, the blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience gives fans plenty of reasons for optimism. Scaloni’s strategic mindset and flexible game plans highlight the team's readiness to adapt to various challenges posed by different opponents. “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 noted.
For now, Argentina, led by the evergreen Messi, continues to look ahead with hope, determination, and a renewed sense of ambition. With each match, they aim to write a new chapter, driven by the lessons from the past and the promise of the present.