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." It was a culmination of heartbreak, coming off the back of Argentina’s defeat in the 2014 World Cup to Germany and another defeat to Chile in the 2015 Copa America.
At 29, Messi had firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad. Nevertheless, the heartbreak of near misses led to an emotional retirement from international football. However, Messi reversed his decision by August 2016, returning to the field with renewed vigor and purpose.
Fast forward to today, Messi has triumphed over his earlier international woes, securing not only the 2021 Copa America but also the 2022 World Cup, thus breaking his trophy drought. These victories solidified his status not just as a club legend but as an international icon. Remarkably, Messi is one of only three players on Argentina’s 2024 roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament, underscoring his enduring impact and longevity in the sport.
A Blend of Youth and Experience
The current Argentine squad exudes a vibrant mix of youth and experience. Alongside veterans like Messi, the team boasts the likes of 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old prodigy Alejandro Garnacho. This blend was on full display in their recent match against Canada, where despite managing 19 shots, the team underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally, which highlighted their inefficiency in front of the goal.
Defensively, the Argentine side needs tightening, allowing Canada to take 10 shots on goal. Head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in limiting their opponent’s attack. "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 remarked.
Key Performances and Tactical Nuances
The match against Canada saw notable performances from Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing, Romero and Lisandro Martinez, who provided stability at the back. Up front, Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring, demonstrating the attacking threat Argentina possesses when clicking.
Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing the team's depth and creativity in the final third. Messi, undeterred by age, continues to prove his prowess, providing the assist for Martinez’s goal, epitomizing his integral role in the squad.
Leadership Beyond Titles
Lionel Scaloni, in his leadership tenure, often emphasizes the significance of focusing on the present. His approach is evidently pragmatic: "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," he stated.
Scaloni’s philosophy is mirrored in his approach to team management, blending experienced heads with young talents to create a balanced squad capable of adjusting to various challenges. "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 commented, reflecting on Messi’s continued presence and value to the team.
As Argentina continues its campaign, the combination of Messi’s leadership, strategic acumen from Scaloni, and emerging young talents points to a squad well-equipped for contemporary challenges while remaining firmly rooted in its illustrious heritage.