Of course, there is Messi. The greatest player in the world in search of the only title missing from his legend, who dreams of offering his country this trophy that has been awaited for thirty-six years. Messi, who wants to make a little more room in the hearts of the Argentines, alongside Diego Maradona, forever unbeatable.
The 35-year-old genius wears the Albiceleste, of course. But he is not the only strength of this sky and blue selection which, like the France team, prides itself on a “state of mind” to win the moon. Thanks to the other Lionel, coach Lionel Scaloni, the cold-blooded animal who directs his fiery gladiators.
Finally a real team
The “Gringo”, as it is nicknamed on the side of Buenos Aires, arrived at the controls in 2018 to replace a Jorge Sampaoli sacked after the Russian berezina (elimination in the round of 16 by France, 4-3). He had to ensure an interim and resist the ambient skepticism, fueled then by a certain Maradona, who did not see him “not even able to direct traffic”.
Except that Lionel Scaloni managed to put the Argentine car back on the right track: that of the collective. By dispassionating the debates as much as possible, by no longer conceiving the Albiceleste as a band of gifted people who can snort as they want, the 44-year-old strategist without much experience has managed to form a group of players not only fierce – a classic Argentinian – but finally solidarity. It is no coincidence that a first title for twenty-eight years came to reward the troop, the Copa America won in July 2021 against Brazil (1-0), at the Maracana stadium.
Promising young talents
It is also no coincidence that the inaugural defeat at this World Cup against Saudi Arabia (1-2), ending a series of 36 games without defeat for the Albiceleste, was only an accident, further tightening the group. Who, like the Blues, advanced in the competition on the wire, askew, in character. With a determining Messi (five goals, three assists). Argentina 2022 looks like Argentina world champion in 1986? Not quite. Diego Maradona at the time was in charge of everything and the rest, with his feet as with his hand (that “of God” in the quarter-finals against England, 2-1). In Qatar, Argentina have some other talents.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, decisive on a final parade in added time against Australia in the round of 16 (2-1), and above all impressive with two saves during the penalty shootout in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands Low (2-2 then 4-3). Center-forward Julian Alvarez, 22, on the bench at the start of the tournament, holder from the third pool match and sparkling against the Croats, planting two goals in the semi-finals (3-0). Midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 21, a revelation of the tournament and a key player in ensuring midfield transitions. Cristian Romero, 24, who is increasingly establishing himself as one of the most talented defenders of his generation.
“We are lions and on Sunday we will give our lives on the pitch. The 47 million Argentines will be able to continue to identify with these players,” assured the defender after the demonstration in the semi-finals. The plural is indeed important.
