One of the most poignant moments of this World Cup unfolded when Lionel Messi found himself on the pitch in Atlanta, tears streaming down his face. Just moments before, Argentina had been trailing Egypt by two goals, teetering on the edge of elimination in the round of 16. After missing a penalty, Messi was poised to shoulder the blame. However, the legendary player conjured his usual magic, orchestrating a stunning turnaround with three goals in just over ten minutes, propelling the Albiceleste into the quarter-finals.
Messi’s emotional display resonated with his teammates and head coach, Lionel Scaloni, who was also visibly moved during a post-match interview. Scaloni revealed that his players have taken to calling him el llorón, or the crybaby. “I can’t even look at you,” he admitted to a reporter, tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m obviously very emotional. What a group of players, brother. I’m sorry. That’s it, I have to go.”
No other team in this tournament has evoked such a wide array of emotions as the defending champions, Argentina. Their journey began on a high note, as they sailed through the group stage effortlessly, with Messi, now 39, showcasing arguably the best World Cup performance of his career. In the opening match, he netted a hat-trick, setting a joint-goalscoring record for the tournament, which he continues to extend.
While Messi’s performances have been filled with brilliance, Argentina has stumbled in recent matches. The scare against Egypt pales in comparison to their last-32 thriller against Cape Verde in Miami, where last-minute heroics were required to avoid one of the most shocking upsets in sports history. These recent outings have sparked renewed scrutiny regarding the capabilities of this Argentine squad.
Scaloni, a revered figure in Argentina for ending a 28-year trophy drought and securing a third World Cup star along with two Copa América titles, has recently found himself under fire. The media, which had previously been largely supportive, has begun to question his decisions more frequently, prompting some tense exchanges during press conferences.
He has maintained that his team was in control during both nail-biting knockout matches, a claim that seems almost absurd to many observers. Against Cape Verde, the competition was more or less even, and Egypt managed to outplay Argentina for significant periods. This pattern is not new; Argentina squandered leads four times in 2022, including twice during the final against France. Such a trend makes for captivating narratives but does little to inspire confidence, especially with a disciplined Switzerland team on the horizon. If Argentina were to lose a lead, recovering it could prove significantly more challenging.
Off the field, Argentina has faced its share of turmoil. The match against Egypt was marred by controversy, with accusations from Egypt’s head coach alleging that the game was rigged. Additionally, reports have surfaced that the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) is under investigation by the FBI for potential mishandling of its commercial agreements in the United States. The AFA has denied any wrongdoing, with Tomas Regalado, an AFA ambassador in North America, stating, “Investigative measures alone do not determine responsibility or guilt.”
In the stadium, however, these controversies have had little effect. Argentina ranks among the most supported teams at the tournament, second only to the host nation. The Argentinian fans have consistently brought their passion, creating a breathtaking spectacle as they sing, jump, and dance in unison, rallying behind their team.
This unwavering support persists whether Argentina is in a commanding lead or, more frequently, battling for survival. The team, along with Scaloni, has heavily relied on its passionate supporters. Following the narrow escape against Egypt, Scaloni acknowledged that they had made it challenging for their fans throughout the tournament.
Scaloni has also received critiques regarding his tactical choices and player rotations, particularly as he continues to rely on an aging core. And then there’s Messi. While it may be tempting to label him an ageless marvel, he appeared worse for wear following the Cape Verde match, addressing the media with a noticeable bruise on his forehead. He later remarked that the same players who “Football is this, not just tactics and strategies,” are the ones requesting his jersey.
As Argentina prepares to face Switzerland, they will require not only Messi’s brilliance but a more robust team performance. Maintaining high intensity over extended periods will be crucial. Relying solely on their passionate energy, as they have at times this summer, will not suffice. Yet, for many, the unpredictable nature of this Argentine side is precisely what makes them endearing. Perhaps Scaloni shares this belief.
“Those things are important, no doubt, but if we hadn’t had the heart we had, we would’ve been out.” he said, his voice filled with emotion after the match against Egypt. “Those things are important, no doubt, but if we hadn’t had the heart we had, we would’ve been out.”
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