As Lionel Messi took to the field for what could be his final World Cup match, many anticipated a memorable conclusion to his storied career. However, as the sun set behind the stands of New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, it became evident that Argentina had lost the spark that propelled them through the tournament. Spain steadily gained control, leading to a sobering realization: Messi and Argentina had succumbed to their worst tendencies in a 1-0 loss.
This championship match starkly contrasted with the dynamic Argentina and Messi we had witnessed throughout the tournament. La Albiceleste consistently entertained, not merely through their goals but through the dramatic moments they produced, often rallying from the brink of elimination against lesser opponents.
Typically, finals can be forgettable encounters, but this one felt particularly disjointed. Spain’s defensive strategy stifled Argentina, and after a lackluster first half, they found their rhythm in the second half, eventually scoring during extra time. In a historic moment, Argentina became the first team in nearly a century of World Cup history to finish a final without a shot on goal in regular time, failing to pose a threat even in the extended play.
Up until this match, Messi had offered fans a rare glimpse of greatness unencumbered by pressure. At 39, he has established an illustrious legacy, with accolades both individually and as part of his teams. While this defeat does not tarnish his remarkable career, a victory would have further solidified his status as one of the greatest players in history. For many Argentinians, the semi-final win against England may hold equal significance to a final victory.
However, it must be noted that Messi’s involvement in this match was limited, a stark contrast to his impactful performances earlier in the tournament. Much of this can be attributed to Spain’s defensive prowess, which effectively neutralized even the legendary Argentine captain. Ultimately, Argentina devolved into what many had prematurely labeled them: underhanded, desperate, and lacking composure.
Now, we must confront the unavoidable truth that Messi’s World Cup journey has ended. This sentiment echoes what was previously suggested following his triumph with Argentina in 2022 and the conversations that arose after his brief international retirement in 2016. At that time, doubts were raised about Messi’s commitment to the national team, with some suggesting he was not fully Argentine after spending so many years in Spain. Such thoughts seem absurd now, a decade later.
The perception of Argentina’s performance at home remains uncertain, given the high expectations surrounding the team. Coach Lionel Scaloni and Messi had previously expressed their pride in their accomplishments, suggesting that the outcome of the final would not diminish that sense of achievement.
Yet, that perspective shifted dramatically once they stepped onto the pitch and faltered in their execution. While Scaloni’s legacy as one of Argentina’s greatest coaches is secure, having secured a World Cup and multiple Copa América titles, this match represented a missed opportunity to further cement his standing. Both realities can coexist: Scaloni is undoubtedly a top coach, yet this final was among his team’s poorest performances.
What resonates more profoundly is the feeling of loss and disappointment after such a lackluster final showing, which offered Argentina and Messi a chance to complete their fairytale. Instead, they transformed from heroes to villains in a matter of minutes, and that was entirely unnecessary.
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