Lionel Messi’s Impact and Absences in the Argentine National Team during the Scaloni Era

Leo Messi: A Key Piece in the Argentine National Team

June 19, 2023, 1:05 p.m.

Leo Messi holds a crucial role in the Argentine National Team. Throughout Lionel Scaloni’s tenure, which includes 61 games and 41 victories, Messi has emerged as the top scorer with an impressive tally of 38 goals. Moreover, he has led the team to three major titles: the 2021 Copa América, the Champions Trophy, and the 2022 World Cup.

Despite missing 14 games under Scaloni’s management, including a recent absence against Indonesia due to a coaching decision to rest him, Messi remains a prominent figure in the team. Out of these 14 games, 12 were friendly matches, while the remaining two were playoffs. With 46 appearances, Messi currently ranks as the third player with the highest number of games played during this cycle, only surpassed by Rodrigo dePaul with 54 and Leandro Paredes with 49.

The first time Messi did not wear the Argentine National Team shirt under Scaloni’s command was on September 8, 2018, in a friendly against Guatemala. On that occasion, Argentina secured a 3-0 victory with goals from Pity Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso, and Giovanni Simeone.

All the Absences of Leo Messi during Lionel Scaloni’s Tenure

Upcoming Matches for the Argentine National Team

Argentina has already played four friendlies in the first half of this year, two at home and two in Asia. In the second half, Lionel Scaloni’s team will embark on the path to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

In the remaining months of 2023, Argentina is scheduled to play six matches. In September, they will face Ecuador at home and travel to Bolivia. In October, they will host Paraguay and visit Peru. In November, Uruguay will visit Argentina, and the team will travel to Brazil. These matches will be followed by six more qualifying matches and the Copa América in 2024.

Passed by Rodrigo De Paul and Lucas Ocampos.

Scaloni has praised Messi’s leadership both on and off the field, highlighting his ability to inspire and motivate his teammates. Messi’s skill and vision have been instrumental in creating goal-scoring opportunities for Argentina, as well as his own remarkable scoring record. His presence on the team brings a sense of confidence and belief among the players.

Furthermore, Messi’s international success has brought immense joy to Argentina. After a 28-year trophy drought, Messi led his team to victory in the 2021 Copa América, a historic moment for both him and the nation. He followed it up with triumphs in the Champions Trophy and the 2022 World Cup, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the history of Argentine football.

The Argentine National Team is heavily reliant on Messi’s performances and leadership. His unmatched talent and dedication to his country have made him a key figure, and his contributions have been vital in the team’s recent accomplishments. As Messi continues to excel on the international stage, he remains an indispensable piece in Argentina’s quest for further success.

What role does Messi play in creating goal-scoring opportunities for Argentina, and how does this impact the team’s overall performance on the field

Lionel Messi plays a crucial role in creating goal-scoring opportunities for Argentina. As the team’s captain and most influential player, Messi’s vision, passing ability, and dribbling skills allow him to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.

Messi often operates as a playmaker in the attacking third, dropping deep to receive the ball and orchestrate the team’s attacking movements. His precise through balls and incisive passes often unlock tight defenses, creating openings for forwards to score goals.

Additionally, Messi’s exceptional dribbling ability allows him to take on multiple defenders, attracting their attention and creating space for his teammates. His close ball control and quick change of direction make him difficult to dispossess, forcing opponents to commit more defenders to stop him, leaving his teammates with more space to exploit.

Messi’s impact on Argentina’s overall performance on the field is significant. His ability to create goal-scoring opportunities increases the team’s offensive threat, putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. This presence in the attack opens up space for other players, making it easier for Argentina to break through stubborn defenses.

Furthermore, Messi’s mere presence on the field boosts the confidence of his teammates. He is a talismanic figure who inspires and motivates the team, bringing out the best in them. His exceptional individual brilliance also demands special attention from opponents, diverting their focus from other players and creating mismatches that Argentina can exploit.

Overall, Messi’s role in creating goal-scoring opportunities for Argentina greatly impacts the team’s performance on the field. His vision, passing, dribbling, and leadership elevate the entire team’s attacking play, making Argentina a formidable force to be reckoned with.