A Tale of Redemption: Messi’s Legacy Comes Full Circle
Almost exactly eight years ago, Lionel Messi found himself at MetLife Stadium, the image of desolation after Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. Frustration and sorrow culminated in what seemed an irrevocable decision: Messi announced his retirement from international football. “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all that I can,” said Messi, leaving fans in a state of surprise and despair.
At that time, Messi was 29 and had firmly established himself as the linchpin of Argentina's national squad. The loss against Chile marked a third consecutive summer of disappointment, following their defeat in the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and another Copa America final loss to Chile in 2015. Argentina seemed on the cusp of greatness but consistently fell short at the final hurdle.
By August 2016, Messi had a change of heart and reversed his retirement decision. It would prove to be a pivotal moment in his career and for Argentina's football history. Messi broke his international trophy drought by securing the 2021 Copa America and, most gloriously, the 2022 World Cup. Now, at the age of 36, Messi remains an essential figure as one of only three players from the 2016 roster on Argentina's 2024 squad.
The present-day Argentine team is a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. The defensive line now includes 26-year-old center-back Cristian Romero and 19-year-old sensation Alejandro Garnacho. This mix of experience and youth has breathed new life into the team’s ambitions.
During a recent match against Canada, Argentina managed an impressive 19 shots but underperformed based on their 3.02 expected goals tally. On the defensive end, allowing Canada 10 shots on goal signaled vulnerabilities that coach Lionel Scaloni is keen to address. Scaloni pointed out the areas needing improvement, particularly the need to limit their opponent’s offensive opportunities.
Romero and Lisandro Martinez have solidified themselves as Scaloni's preferred center-back pairing, anchoring the defense with authority. The attacking front, spearheaded by Messi, holds a blend of synergy and skill. Julian Alvarez, playing alongside Messi, opened the scoring against Canada. Lautaro Martinez then doubled the lead with an assist from Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing the depth of talent at Argentina's disposal.
Messi once again demonstrated his enduring prowess with an assist on Lautaro Martinez’s goal. His elite capabilities continue to shine, underlining his significance to the team. Scaloni emphasizes living in the present and focusing on each match as it comes. “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,” Scaloni remarked. “Each match is a different history and we have to face it as it comes. Previous titles don’t change that.”
Scaloni’s game plan reflects a balance of strategic caution and adaptability. “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.
As Messi and his teammates prepare for future challenges, the narrative of his career remains a testament to perseverance and greatness. “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 noted.
Messi's journey from the depths of near-retirement to the pinnacle of World Cup glory serves as an inspirational blueprint for both current and future generations. It underscores the importance of resilience and the continual pursuit of excellence—the hallmarks of a true sports legend. The story of Lionel Messi is far from over, and Argentina’s football legacy is all the richer for his contributions.