Messi’s Historic Journey with Argentina: From Heartbreak to Triumph
Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi stood at MetLife Stadium, moments after his team suffered a crushing defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. It was a devastating moment that led Messi to make a stunning announcement. "For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can,” he declared, leaving fans and pundits worldwide in shock.
At 29, Messi was firmly established as the leader of Argentina’s national squad. The loss against Chile marked the third consecutive summer that Argentina stumbled at the final hurdle, following the 2014 World Cup loss to Germany and the 2015 Copa America defeat, again, to Chile. However, come August 2016, Messi reversed his retirement decision, driven by an unwavering passion for his national team and the sport.
Since then, Messi has remarkably transformed his legacy with Argentina. The trophy drought was finally broken when Messi led his team to victory in the 2021 Copa America, and the crowning jewel came with the 2022 World Cup triumph. Fast forward to 2024, and Messi remains a pivotal figure, one of only three players on the current roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament.
Argentina’s squad today is a blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents. The team includes 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old sensation Alejandro Garnacho. In a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed an impressive 19 shots but fell short of their 3.02 expected goals tally. On the defensive end, Argentina allowed Canada to take 10 shots, a statistic that coach Lionel Scaloni highlighted as an area needing improvement.
"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," said Scaloni. His words underscore the nuanced approach required at the international level, where each match presents unique challenges.
Scaloni has solidified Romero and Lisandro Martinez as his preferred center-back pairing, a decision that has provided stability at the back. In the match against Canada, Julian Alvarez showcased his capabilities by opening the scoring, while Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, thanks to an assist from Alexis Mac Allister. Ever the maestro, Messi demonstrated his continued elite-level capabilities with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal, proving that age is merely a number for the Argentine icon.
Scaloni, reflecting on past successes, emphasized 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,” he asserted.
Messi's journey with the national team has been one of highs and lows, filled with despair and jubilation. His dedication and love for the game have kept him at the forefront, continually inspiring both his teammates and the next generation of footballers. “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, accentuating Messi’s current significance.
As Argentina progresses, the blend of Messi’s experience and the youthful vigor of players like Garnacho hints at a promising future. The adjustments and improvements suggested by Scaloni are indicative of a team striving for perfection, aiming to harness their full potential come each fixture.
Overall, Messi’s journey is nothing short of a saga, highlighting a career where redemption is possible through perseverance and unwavering dedication. The camaraderie within the team, along with strategic acumen from Scaloni, positions Argentina as a formidable force in international football, capable of scaling new heights while celebrating the heart and soul of their leader, Lionel Messi.