Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recently discussed an intriguing hypothetical scenario: what if Lionel Messi had decided to stay retired from international football after Argentina’s defeat in the 2016 Copa América final? This question raises some fascinating possibilities and could have significant implications for how we view the greatest footballers of all time.
If Messi had chosen to remain retired from international duty, it would have undoubtedly altered the trajectory of his career and legacy. The Argentine star has since gone on to win the Copa América in 2021, finally securing a major international trophy with his national team. This achievement was a crucial milestone for Messi and solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
However, if Messi had decided to hang up his boots for Argentina after the heartbreak of 2016, the football landscape would look very different today. Without the Copa América triumph in 2021, Messi’s international legacy would have been incomplete, leaving room for debate and speculation about his place among the greatest players in history.
In the absence of Messi’s continued international success, other football legends such as Pele, Diego Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo may have been viewed as the undisputed G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time). Each of these players has their own impressive list of achievements and accolades, and Messi’s absence from the international stage could have shifted the balance of power in the debate over the greatest footballer of all time.
Considering Messi’s immense talent and impact on the game, it is difficult to imagine a football world without his presence. His skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability have set him apart as a truly unique talent, and his contributions to both Barcelona and the Argentine national team have been nothing short of extraordinary.
While we can only speculate on what might have been if Messi had chosen to stay retired from international football after 2016, one thing is certain: his decision to return and lead Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021 has solidified his place among the footballing greats. Messi’s legacy is secure, and his continued success on the pitch only adds to his already impressive resume.
As we reflect on the hypothetical scenario presented by Lalas and Mosse, it is clear that Messi’s decision to return to international football was a pivotal moment in his career. The impact of that choice reverberates through the football world, shaping the ongoing conversation about the greatest players of all time and underscoring Messi’s enduring legacy as one of the true legends of the game.