By Bilal Ahmed
Lionel Messi is looking to secure a second World Cup title with Argentina, with the final against Spain scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium. This opportunity comes a decade after he had expressed thoughts of ending his international career at the same venue.
In 2016, Messi, then 29, was already recognised as a top player, having won the Ballon d’Or five times and led Barcelona to a Champions League victory. However, his club success had not translated to international trophies with Argentina, where he had experienced three defeats in major tournament finals.
These international setbacks included a loss to Brazil in the 2007 Copa America, two World Cup quarter-final exits, and an elimination from the 2011 Copa America against Uruguay. He also captained Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final, which ended in defeat to Germany, and a subsequent loss on penalties to Chile in the Copa America decider the following year.
The 2016 Copa America Centenario in the United States saw Argentina reach the final with a perfect record of five wins and 18 goals. However, they faced Chile again at the MetLife Stadium, resulting in another 0-0 draw and a penalty shootout loss, where Messi missed his kick.
A turning point in international career
Following the 2016 final, Messi, who had already earned over 100 caps, expressed his heartbreak, stating, “For me the national team is over.” Teammate Sergio Aguero noted he had “never seen him in such a state” after the game. Messi later reconsidered his decision, citing his love for his country and the national team.
The latter part of his international career saw a significant change in fortunes. After a last-16 exit in the 2018 World Cup to eventual champions France, Lionel Scaloni took over as coach, leading to a revival for Argentina.
A defeat in the semi-finals of the 2019 Copa America to Brazil marked a new beginning. Two years later, Argentina returned to Brazil for another Copa America, where they defeated the hosts 1-0 in the final, thanks to a goal from Angel Di Maria, securing their first major title in 28 years.
This was followed by World Cup glory in 2022 in Qatar, where Messi led his team to victory against France in the final via a penalty shootout. Messi remarked at the time, “Obviously I would like to end my career with this, I cannot ask for more.”
Messi’s continued impact
Messi has continued to play, and Scaloni’s team has maintained its winning form, securing another Copa America in 2024, despite Messi leaving the final against Colombia in Miami due to injury. This current World Cup marks Messi’s sixth appearance in the tournament.
His performance has been notable, including inspiring a comeback victory over England in the semi-finals. He enters Sunday’s final against Spain with an opportunity to claim the tournament’s golden boot.
A victory in New Jersey would mean another World Cup title for Argentina and a fourth major international trophy for Messi, a significant turnaround from the emotional moments of 2016. There have even been suggestions from teammates, such as Cristian Romero, hoping Messi will continue playing for a few more years if Argentina wins.
At an age when many players have retired, Messi is still achieving at a high level. For comparison, Pele was involved in filming ‘Escape to Victory’ and working on a video game at 39, while Diego Maradona was dealing with personal struggles and releasing his autobiography at the same age.
Johan Cruyff’s playing career ended at 37, and he began his coaching journey with Ajax at 38, turning 39 during his first season in charge. Alfredo Di Stefano continued playing for Espanyol at 39, scoring five goals in 33 games during his final season as a footballer.
Ferenc Puskas played three times for Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey after turning 39, scoring in one of those matches before retiring and becoming a manager for Hercules that summer. Zinedine Zidane, after his playing career, was named Real Madrid’s sporting director at 39, at the request of coach Jose Mourinho.
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Source: tribune.com.pk
