Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi made headlines with an announcement that stunned the football world. Standing at MetLife Stadium after his team lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile on penalties, Messi declared, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can.” This declaration came at a particularly tumultuous time for Argentina, who had suffered three consecutive summers of heartbreak, including a loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final and again to Chile in the 2015 Copa America.
However, in a move that would rejuvenate the national team's fortunes, Messi reversed his decision by August 2016. The years that followed would see the Argentine maestro break his trophy drought, culminating in triumphs at the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Now, at 36, Messi remains a vital cog in Lionel Scaloni’s team, demonstrating that his elite-level capabilities have not waned.
As Argentina gears up for the 2024 season, Messi stands as one of only three players from the 2016 roster. The team is now a blend of experienced veterans and youthful exuberance, boasting talents like 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old forward Alejandro Garnacho. Despite Argentina managing 19 shots against Canada recently, they underperformed on their 3.02 expected goals tally, indicating areas for improvement in their attacking efficiency.
Defensive solidity has been a focal point for Scaloni, especially given that Argentina allowed Canada to take 10 shots on their goal. The coach emphasized the need to tighten up at the back, stating, “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’s preferred center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez has brought a measure of stability to the Argentine defense. This defensive backbone supports an attacking lineup that includes the dynamic Julian Alvarez, who opened the scoring against Canada, and Lautaro Martinez, who added a second goal with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister. Messi's vision and playmaking abilities were on full display as he provided the assist for Lautaro Martinez's goal, reaffirming his pivotal role in the squad.
Scaloni stressed the importance of adapting to opponents’ strengths and strategies, stating, “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.”
As the team marches forward, Scaloni underscores that living in the present is crucial. “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 said, highlighting Messi’s ongoing influence and celebrated presence.