Argentina: A Second Chance for Messi & La Albiceleste

When Argentina lost the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final to Germany, it felt like a missed opportunity to claim the coveted trophy in the home of their bitter rivals Brazil. They entered the final without conceding a goal, with two knockout games going into extra time. Not to mention their attacking options in Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi. 

Messi's impact during the knockouts and the final was underwhelming, failing to score in the entire knockout phase. Though he won the Golden Ball (Best Player), it felt undeserved. Many greats of the game are lucky to reach one World Cup Final, and given what happened in the coming years for Messi and Argentina, 2014 was their best chance that got away from them. Now, come Sunday, Argentina has that rare second chance to win the World Cup.

Argentina has made it to the sixth World Cup Final, making their second World Cup Final in three editions. They were winners for the first time in 1978 on home soil and won again in 1986, thanks to the exploits of Diego Maradona, who achieved hero-like status in Argentina for his performances in Mexico. They were in the first World Cup Final in 1930 but lost to close rivals Uruguay. In 1990, they had the chance to win it again but lost 1-0 to Germany. 

In 2014, they battled against Germany again, and it took an extra-time winner from Mario Gotze to deny Argentina the trophy again. Being a football powerhouse in South America and the world, Argentina is one of the few countries that have become synonymous with the World Cup, producing greats like Diego Maradona, Mario Kempes, Gabriel Batistuta, Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Zanetti and others.

Before this World Cup, Argentina was in the conversation as a potential winner for valid reasons. Though the squad is less star-studded in previous cycles, they won the Copa America in 2021. Their first major trophy since 1993. They beat Italy in the Finalissima last June and went on a 36-game unbeaten run spanning three years. 

Lionel Messi has been playing his best football in the Sky Blue and now has a presence in a leadership role that we haven't seen before. Messi aside, the Argentina squad is more balanced across the field, with coach Lionel Scaloni utilising the team well for any match-up, despite losing Giovanni Le Celso and Nicolas Gonzalez due to injury. With a relatively easy group (on paper) in Saudi Arabia, Poland and Mexico, this looks comfortable for Argentina.

It didn't. In the first group game, Argentina suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Suadi Arabia, ending their 36-game unbeaten run and raising questions about Argentina's chances of making it out of the group. In a must-win game against Mexico, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scored to get Argentina back on track with a 2-0 win and finished top of the group, beating Poland 2-0. In their first knockout game against Australia, Argentina battled with the Socceroos, winning 2-1, with Messi scoring his first knockout goal and Emi Martinez making a save in the dying minutes to prevent extra time. 

Facing the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, Argentina went 2-0 up with goals from Nahuel Molina and Messi from the penalty spot. However, Wout Weghorst spoiled the party, scoring twice to take the game to extra time. The tie went to penalties, and Argentina won to make it to the semifinals. Facing 2018 finalist Croatia, Argentina had their best performance, winning 3-0 with Julian Alvarez netting a brace. Now, they have the task of beating the defending champions France who knocked them out in 2018 to win the coveted prize.

Despite losing their first game against Saudi Arabia, Argentina managed to build their way through the tournament, and some players took the initiative to become necessary throughout the competition. Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez are one of the youngest players in the Argentina squad but have become standout performers for Argentina. Alvarez was initially going to be a backup, but the struggles of Lautaro Martinez provided an opportunity for Alvarez to become a starter, and he has flourished. Scoring four times and becoming the man to partner with Lionel Messi, hitting 70 per cent of his shots on target whilst providing speed and the ability to stretch defences.

Fernandez offers composure and creativity in midfield when they are in possession, which Le Celso would have provided, making 39 passes into the final third. Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul have also impressed during the tournament providing tenacity in the midfield along with Fernandez. The centre-back pairing of Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero has been rock solid, conceding just eight shots on target, with Lisandro Martinez providing quality depth. Emiliano Martinez has also stepped up, making two penalty saves against the Netherlands in the shootout.

The story of Argentina's World Cup is also the story of Lionel Messi. Having been questioned for his questionable record in the knockout stages of the World Cup, Messi is not leaving any stone unturned, leaving his mark in every game for Argentina during the tournament. Scoring five goals and assisting three, Messi looks like a man that wants to go out with a bang, and he sure is. He has made 37 shot-creating actions, 18 key passes and 15 passes into the opposition penalty area. His performances reflect those numbers well, with numerous moments from the goal against Mexico, the pass for Molina against the Netherlands and beating Gvardiol with sheer skill against Croatia. From walking past the World Cup trophy in 2014, Messi will be looking to finally get his hands on the one silverware he has longed desired.

From Buenos Aires to Rosario, Argentines believe this could be their tournament, seeing Messi finally lifting that trophy, cementing himself as one of the greats. They still have one game left, the final against France, the defending champions trying to make history themselves. Argentina will fancy their chances but must be disciplined and composed to beat this French side. Will Argentina lift the trophy at the Lusail stadium on Sunday?