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,” Messi declared, leaving fans and pundits alike in disbelief. At 29, Messi was already a footballing icon, having firmly established himself as the leader of Argentina’s national squad. Yet, the weight of three consecutive summer heartbreaks—defeats in the 2014 World Cup to Germany and back-to-back Copa America losses to Chile in 2015 and 2016—had seemingly compelled him to call time on his international career.
It was a retirement that didn’t last long. By August 2016, Messi reversed his decision, rejoining a team hungry for silverware. Five years later, he ended his trophy drought, first with the 2021 Copa America and then culminating in the ultimate glory, the 2022 World Cup. Now, as one of only three players from the 2016 roster still standing, Messi continues to be a cornerstone of the squad heading into 2024.
Changing of the Guard
Argentina’s current roster showcases a blend of seasoned experience and youthful vigor. Among the new generation are 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old forward Alejandro Garnacho, symbolizing the team’s evolution. This balance of youth and experience appears to be key in head coach Lionel Scaloni’s strategy.
During their recent match against Canada, Argentina managed 19 shots but fell short of the expected goals tally of 3.02, reflecting their struggle to capitalize on opportunities. The defense, however, allowed Canada to take 10 shots on goal, indicating areas in need of improvement. Scaloni was clear about this, noting, “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.”
Defensive Solidity and Offensive Fluidity
Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified their positions as Scaloni’s preferred center-back pairing, a partnership built on resilience and mutual understanding. This defensive solidity offers a strong foundation from which the attack can operate. In their match against Canada, Julian Alvarez, who started alongside Messi, opened the scoring. Lautaro Martinez added a second goal, ably assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing Argentina’s dynamic offensive capabilities.
Messi himself continues to demonstrate his elite-level capabilities, contributing an assist to Lautaro Martinez’s goal. This combination of defensive reliability and offensive creativity is shaping up to be the backbone of Scaloni’s team.
Eyes on the Present
Reflecting on the significance of past victories and future prospects, Scaloni remains grounded. “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 pragmatic approach reinforces the need for constant vigilance and adaptability on the pitch.
As Messi celebrated another birthday, Scaloni emphasized the importance of appreciating the present moment. “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,” he added.
With the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, Argentina's squad looks poised for continued success. The lessons learned from past trials and triumphs are evident, but it’s the focus on the here and now that shapes their journey forward. As they keep improving and adjusting, Argentina remains a formidable force on the international stage, carrying with them the aspirations of a nation united under their storied captain, Lionel Messi.