How Did Lionel Messi’s Leadership and Performance Propel Argentina to Victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
1. Messi’s Evolution as a Leader
Messi’s journey with Argentina has been fraught with heartbreak: four previous World Cups yielded only a runners-up finish in 2014. Critics often questioned his leadership, comparing him unfavorably to Diego Maradona’s fiery charisma. However, by 2022, Messi had matured into a captain who led by example, blending quiet determination with emotional intelligence.
Leading a Young Squad: At 35, Messi was the elder statesman in a squad featuring rising stars like Enzo Fernández (21) and Julián Álvarez (22). He mentored them on and off the pitch, fostering unity. After Argentina’s shocking opening loss to Saudi Arabia, Messi rallied the team, stating, “We have no margin for error now. We must trust each other.”
Emotional Resilience: Messi’s calm demeanor stabilized the team during high-pressure moments. In the quarterfinal penalty shootout against the Netherlands, he scored Argentina’s first penalty, setting the tone for Emiliano Martínez’s heroics.
2. Tactical Mastery and Adaptability
Coach Lionel Scaloni built Argentina’s system around Messi’s strengths while ensuring tactical flexibility. Unlike past tournaments where Messi was overburdened, Scaloni’s 4-3-3/4-4-2 hybrid allowed him to thrive as a “free-roaming playmaker.”
Positional Freedom: Messi operated as a false nine, dropping deep to dictate play or drifting wide to exploit gaps. This role minimized his defensive duties and maximized his creative output. In the group stage against Mexico, his precise long-range strike (1-0) broke the deadlock, showcasing his enduring ability to decide games.
Partnerships with Key Players: Scaloni paired Messi with workhorse Ángel Di María and bulldog Rodrigo De Paul, who provided defensive cover and verticality. Messi’s synergy with Julián Álvarez was pivotal; the Manchester City forward’s relentless pressing created space for Messi to exploit.
3. Clutch Performances in Critical Matches
Messi delivered career-defining performances when it mattered most, scoring 7 goals (tied for the Golden Boot) and providing 3 assists across the tournament.
Group Stage Redemption: After the Saudi Arabia upset, Messi scored a crucial goal against Mexico (2-0) and assisted Enzo Fernández’s clincher. His leadership ensured Argentina topped the group.
Knockout Stage Heroics:
vs. Australia (Round of 16): Messi opened the scoring with a trademark left-footed finish, later orchestrating Álvarez’s goal in a 2-1 win.
vs. Netherlands (Quarterfinal): Messi scored a penalty and delivered a sublime assist for Nahuel Molina’s goal. His post-match confrontation with Dutch players (“What are you looking at, fool?”) revealed his newfound edge
vs. Croatia (Semifinal): Messi tormented Josko Gvardiol, assisting Álvarez’s third goal in a 3-0 rout.
vs. France (Final): In one of the greatest finals ever, Messi scored twice (including a 108th-minute extra-time strike) and converted his penalty in the shootout. His duel with Kylian Mbappé (hat-trick hero) became an instant classic.
Messi’s humility and passion galvanized Argentina’s squad and a nation grappling with economic turmoil.
Team Chemistry: Players like De Paul and Martínez repeatedly emphasized Messi’s role as the squad’s emotional anchor. De Paul remarked, “We’d run through a wall for Leo.”
National Pride: Millions of Argentines celebrated Messi’s goals as cathartic moments of unity. His embrace with Ángel Di María after the final whistle symbolized a shared dream realized
5. Legacy: Cementing His Place in History
The World Cup victory silenced lingering debates about Messi’s standing alongside Pelé and Maradona. He became the first player to win the Golden Ball (best player) in two World Cups (2014, 2022) and joined Pelé as the only men with a World Cup, Copa América, Ballon d’Or, and Champions League title.
Impact Beyond Stats: Messi’s leadership redefined his legacy. Former critic Diego Maradona (before his passing) had
acknowledged, “Leo has carried Argentina on his back. He deserves this.”
Global Icon: The tournament amplified Messi’s status as a global ambassador for football. His post-victory move to MLS’s Inter Miami underscored his desire to grow the sport beyond traditional strongholds.