One of the most memorable moments from this World Cup occurred when Lionel Messi roamed the pitch in Atlanta, tears streaming down his face. Just moments before, Argentina found themselves down by two goals against Egypt, teetering on the edge of elimination in the Round of 16. After missing a penalty, Messi was poised to take the blame for the defeat. Yet, he conjured the familiar magic that fans have come to expect, leading a stunning turnaround that saw Argentina score three goals in a little over ten minutes, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Messi was not alone in his tears; his teammates were equally emotional, as was head coach Lionel Scaloni, who struggled to contain his feelings during a post-match interview. The players have affectionately dubbed him el llorón, meaning ‘the crybaby.’ “I can’t even look at you,” Scaloni expressed to a reporter, visibly moved. “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 team at this World Cup has evoked as many emotions as the defending champions. Their campaign began with promise as they navigated the group stage effortlessly, with Messi, now 39, enjoying what many deem his finest World Cup performance. He started off with a hat-trick in the opening match, setting a joint-goalscoring record for the tournament that he continues to build upon.
While Messi’s performances have often dazzled, Argentina has shown vulnerabilities in their recent matches. The scare against Egypt pales in comparison to their last-32 clash with Cape Verde in Miami, where only a dramatic last-minute save prevented what would have been one of the greatest upsets in sports history. These shaky performances have sparked renewed scrutiny of this Argentine squad.
Scaloni is celebrated in Argentina for ending a 28-year trophy drought, guiding them to their third World Cup title and two Copa América championships. This success has often shielded him from criticism, as the media covering the team has been less probing than usual. However, this dynamic appears to be shifting, with Scaloni recently clashing with reporters over fundamental inquiries.
In both of Argentina’s closely contested knockout games, Scaloni has asserted that his team was always in control, a claim that seems almost absurd to casual observers. Cape Verde appeared to match Argentina, while Egypt outperformed them in stretches. This has been a recurring theme; Argentina relinquished leads multiple times in 2022, including twice in the final against France. Such a pattern makes for captivating narratives but raises doubts, especially with a disciplined Switzerland team on the horizon. Should Argentina lose a lead, regaining it may prove significantly more challenging.
Off-field events have not aided Argentina’s cause. Their match against Egypt sparked controversies, with Egypt’s coach alleging that the match was manipulated. Additionally, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is reportedly under FBI investigation for alleged mismanagement of commercial agreements in the U.S. 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 stadiums, however, this turmoil has had minimal impact. Argentina enjoys immense support, second only to the host nations, with fans passionately backing their team throughout the tournament. This unwavering spirit is a spectacle, a vibrant sea of supporters singing, dancing, and rallying behind their players.
This fervor persists whether Argentina is comfortably ahead or, more often, fighting to stay in the game. Both the team and Scaloni have leaned heavily on their supporters. Following their narrow victory against Egypt, Scaloni remarked that they had made it difficult for their fans throughout the tournament.
Criticism has also been directed at Scaloni for his tactical decisions and player rotations, particularly as he has relied on an older core of players. Then there’s the question of Messi. While it might be tempting to label him an ageless marvel, he appeared visibly battered after the Cape Verde match, taking the podium with a significant bruise on his forehead. Shortly thereafter, he noted the irony that the same players who “Football is this, not just tactics and strategies,” also request his jersey.
Against Switzerland, Argentina will need Messi to excel, along with additional contributions from the entire squad. They must sustain their performance levels for longer periods, avoiding the temptation to rely solely on momentum, which has seemed to be their strategy at times this summer. Nevertheless, many fans cherish the chaotic energy of this Argentine team, which may also resonate with Scaloni.
“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 laced 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.”
