EXCLUSIVE: Argentina expels the Chilean curse, and Messi receives MetLife redemption.

On Tuesday, Argentina emerged victorious in the Copa América after defeating Chile 1-0 at MetLife Stadium. Lautaro Martínez’s sole goal in the 88th minute ignited a frenzy among the crowd and enabled the Albiceleste to eradicate the spectres of the 2015 and 2016 finals.

The Argentina fans erupted in deafening screams, with some jumping in unison with those in neighbouring seats and others removing their jerseys to wave them in the air. The players embraced one another on the pitch as Lionel Scaloni’s team finally triumphed over their rivals, who had inflicted them with two bitter Copa América losses. Certainly, it was only in the group stage this time, but it was significant.

Argentinean outshot Chile’s 22-3 record, which mirrored the 2016 final’s 18-4 ratio, was ultimately shattered by penalties. This match was marked by a high level of physicality and tension, resulting in close decisions for penalties and red cards at both ends. However, in the end, a single strike was the deciding factor.

However, eight years ago, MetLife Stadium witnessed an entirely different narrative. Lionel Messi’s talent was nearly forfeited by Argentina.

Argentina’s prospects were riding on their shoulders as they prepared to face Chile in the Copa América Centenario final on June 26, 2016. However, Messi is the most exceptional. He was under pressure from millions of supporters to avenge the 2015 final, in which Chile emerged victorious on penalties, and to conclude Argentina’s 22-year drought of silverware.

However, his capacity to serve as commander of the team was at issue. He was frequently criticised by Argentina supporters for his leadership abilities, his emotional attachment to the country after moving to Spain as a child, and his personality, which they characterised as “pecho frio”—a player who possesses a “cold chest” and lacks passion.

Messi was frequently the team’s most valuable player on the pitch and their top goal scorer; however, he had yet to reinforce his accomplishments with a significant trophy. Although he elevated the Albiceleste to unprecedented heights, certain supporters continued to regard him as a failure with the national team due to their defeats in the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and the 2015 Copa América final to Chile.

The country’s disapproval was exacerbated by the propensity to compare Messi with Diego Maradona, as it was noted that El Pibe de Oro (“The Golden Boy”) only lived up to expectations after winning the 1986 World Cup and the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Nevertheless, Argentina hoped that Messi would eventually put an end to the country’s protracted wait by reaching the 2016 final. The MetLife Stadium was home to approximately 82,026 spectators, the largest audience in the history of New Jersey. The hotly contested match resulted in a red card for both teams in the first half. Marcelo Diaz of Chile was dismissed from the stadium in the 28th minute, and Marcos Rojo of Argentina was dismissed mere moments later.

Ultimately, the game concluded in a 0-0 stalemate after 120 minutes, necessitating penalties for the second consecutive year between the two teams. Both teams made commendable defensive efforts. Messi advanced to take Argentina’s initial penalty, but his attempt resulted in the ball being directed into the stands, eliciting a collective groan from fans worldwide. Despite the fact that his comrade Lucas Biglia also failed to convert his penalty, resulting in a 4-2 shootout victory for Chile, Messi was held accountable in the aftermath.

The camera panned to the stadium, where Argentina fans were left speechless, before revealing a distraught Messi on the field. Immediately following the game, Messi, who was in the midst of a downward spiral, stunned the world with an unprecedented announcement: “I am done playing with the national team.”

Without a significant trophy, one of the world’s finest players, who had won numerous Ballon d’Or, Champions League, and LaLiga titles, retired from Argentina. Messi further stated, “I made every effort.” “I made every effort conceivable.” It is evident that this is not for me, but it wounds me more than anyone else. I am more eager than anyone to secure a championship with the national team; however, it was not to be.

This decision was only in effect until mid-August, which was fortunate for Argentina and football enthusiasts worldwide. Messi thereafter steered his national team to the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2022 Finalissima.

Approximately 2,919 days after his “retirement” from the field, Messi returned to MetLife Stadium as captain, just one day after commemorating his 37th birthday. After eight years, he resumed his leadership of Argentina, this time wearing the captain’s insignia on his renowned left arm. However, his supporters are no longer sceptical of his leadership abilities, devotion, or personality within this victorious team.

Rather, fans conveyed their appreciation for the moments of immense pleasure he has brought them by displaying flags, banners, and photographs of the World Cup. In 2024, the criticism and concerns from 2016 were transformed into applause and chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!”

The No. 10 jerseys dominated the stands, while Messi’s name elicited the loudest applause as the lineup echoed throughout MetLife. Fans promptly performed the “bowing down” hand gesture while singing his name whenever he attempted a shot on goal or initiated the development of a goal-scoring opportunity.

The 37-year-old was on the brink of scoring three times, striking the post once, and required treatment for a thigh issue during the first half. However, Martínez scored the winning goal to secure Argentina’s second victory in the Copa América 2024 group stage, thereby guaranteeing their entry into the knockout phases, as his late corner caused chaos. The Albiceleste are currently in the lead of Group A, with a final group stage encounter remaining. They are three points ahead of Canada, who are in second place.

Scaloni proclaimed, “The stadium is the sole remaining item after eight years.”

In fact, the weeping, disappointment, and dark declarations of 2016 now seem like a distant memory that Messi can leave behind.