Messi and Argentina Success Story

With eight FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, two times Best FIFA Men’s Player, two times UEFA Men’s Player, eight times La Liga Best Player, and four times, Champions League winner, Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has led his country, Argentina, to win the most Copa America titles and several international tournaments.

Despite his success at the club level, his journey with the Argentina national team was marked by early struggles, crushing disappointments, and glorious triumphs. For insights into how football legends like Messi inspire future generations, check out Waitakere United.

Early Struggles and Setbacks

Lionel Messi’s rise to prominence began at a young age, showcasing his prodigious talent with FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia. By the time he made his debut for the Argentina national team in 2005, expectations were sky-high.

As a diminutive but gifted player, Messi was seen as the heir apparent to Diego Maradona, the legendary figure who had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. His early performances for Argentina showed flashes of brilliance, and fans eagerly anticipated that Messi would lead the national team to similar heights.

Despite his remarkable skills and success at the club level, Messi’s early years with the national team were fraught with disappointment.

Argentina repeatedly fell short in major tournaments, often agonizingly close to victory. In the 2007 Copa America, they lost to Brazil in the final. The 2010 and 2014 World Cups brought further heartbreak, with Argentina exiting in the quarterfinals in 2010 and losing to Germany in the final in 2014. The 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals saw Argentina lose to Chile on penalties, adding to the string of near-misses that defined Messi’s early international career.

Messi was often compared unfavorably to Maradona, with critics questioning his leadership qualities in the country’s national team. The pressure reached a boiling point after the 2016 Copa America final, where Argentina’s loss to Chile on penalties prompted Messi to announce his retirement from international football as fans and pundits questioned if he would ever lead Argentina to a major trophy.

Retirement and Comeback

The 2016 Copa America Centenario final was a turning point in Messi’s career with the Argentina national team. After a tense match against Chile ended in a 0-0 draw, the game was decided by penalties. Messi missed his spot-kick, and Argentina ultimately lost, marking their third consecutive major final defeat in as many years.

In the immediate aftermath of the loss, an emotionally devastated Messi announced his retirement from international football. The Argentine national team captain, however, returned in 2016, and his comeback had a profound impact on the team. His presence revived the squad, both on and off the field. The return of their talisman restored belief and ambition, setting the stage for future successes.

The Triumphs

The Copa America 2021 marked a turning point for Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team. Held in Brazil, the tournament was fraught with challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic and intense competition.

Despite these hurdles, Argentina emerged victorious, clinching their first major international trophy since 1993. Messi scored four goals and provided five assists, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and playmaker.

The victory was particularly sweet as it came against Brazil in the final, with Messi lifting the trophy at the Maracanã Stadium, a moment that cemented his legacy and ended Argentina’s long wait for silverware. Building on the momentum from their Copa America success, Argentina entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup with renewed confidence.

In the group stages, he scored crucial goals and provided key assists, which led Argentina to the knockout rounds. The knockout stages saw Messi at his brilliant best, with outstanding performances against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and Croatia in the semifinals.

In the final, Argentina faced France in a thrilling encounter. Messi scored twice, including a penalty, and played a critical role in Argentina’s attacking play. The match ended 3-3 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout where Argentina triumphed 4-2, lifting their third World Cup title and their first since 1986. This earned Messi the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Awards and Accolades

Messi’s performances from 2021 onwards have been recognized with numerous individual awards and accolades. His contributions to Argentina’s Copa America and World Cup victories earned him the Best Player awards in both tournaments. In 2021 and 2023, Messi was awarded his seventh and eighth Ballon d’Or, a testament to his extraordinary impact and consistency at the highest level of the sport.

Messi’s Leadership and Influence

Lionel Messi’s playing style, marked by deft dribbling, precise passing, and clinical finishing, sets a high standard that inspires his teammates to elevate their own performances. His ability to always keep the ball inches from his foot while running is a skill very few players come close to.

Off the field, Messi’s influence is equally profound. He is known for his humility and strong work ethic, traits that endear him to his teammates and fans alike. He often takes younger players under his wing, offering guidance and support to help them develop their skills and navigate the pressures of international football.

Messi’s journey, from his humble beginnings in Rosario to becoming one of the greatest players in history, echoes deeply with Argentinians. His achievements have reignited a passion for football across the country.

Legacy and Future

Messi’s legacy is defined by his ability to overcome adversity and lead Argentina to major international triumphs, including the Copa America 2021 and the World Cup 2022. His legacy will continue to inspire young footballers in Argentina and around the world, motivating them to strive for greatness and carry on the tradition of Argentine football excellence.

Today, the Argentine forward captains the American club, Inter Miami, and was instrumental in helping the team win the 2023 Leagues Cup.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, Messi’s impact on Argentine football will endure long after he hangs his boots. His influence will be felt in the development of young players, who will look to emulate his dedication and playing style.