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. Following a third consecutive summer of disappointment for Argentina—having lost the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 Copa America to Chile—Messi announced his retirement from international football.
“For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can,” Messi declared, an announcement that shook the football world.
However, by August 2016, Messi had reversed his decision, returning to the national squad as an irreplaceable leader. His perseverance paid off as he eventually broke his trophy drought, leading Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
Remarkably, Messi remains a vital part of the team as they approach the 2024 Copa America. In fact, he is one of only three players on the current roster who also participated in the 2016 tournament. The team has been bolstered by emerging talents such as 26-year-old center back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho.
Challenges and Opportunities
In a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed to secure a victory, but the game exposed areas needing improvement. Argentina took 19 shots, yet underperformed their expected goals tally of 3.02. Meanwhile, their defense allowed Canada to take 10 shots on goal, a statistic that did not sit well with head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Scaloni has been candid about the team’s need to tighten up defensively, particularly in limiting their opponents' chances. “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.
The defensive pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez has become Scaloni’s favored choice as he seeks to solidify Argentina's back line ahead of the forthcoming tournaments.
Stars Shine Bright
On the offensive side, Julian Alvarez showcased his abilities as he started alongside Messi against Canada, even opening the scoring. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, while Messi demonstrated his undiminished elite-level capabilities by providing an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal.
Scaloni, ever the realist, downplays past triumphs, urging his team to focus on 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 stated.
A Legacy in Progress
Messi remains a pivotal figure, celebrated for both his past achievements and his current form. As Scaloni noted, “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.”
As Argentina prepares for the challenges ahead, the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents injects a renewed sense of optimism. With Messi leading the charge, supported by a motivated squad and strategic directives from Scaloni, Argentina aims to build on its recent successes and continue its storied legacy in international football.