Decoding Messi's World Cup Journeys: Is 2022 His Ultimate Championship Year?!

The unveiling of Netflix's freshest series, "Sean eternos Campeones de América," immediately sparked thoughts of Lionel Messi. This documentary chronicling Argentina's voyage to the 2020 Copa America showcases a stark contrast in La Pulga's demeanor during what was considered his golden age - a transformation evident in his leadership, ease, and on-field prowess.

Presently, Messi finds himself in a distinctly altered state as he gears up for the forthcoming World Cup, a departure from his demeanor in previous editions. Among all the World Cups in which Messi has participated, the question looms: Could 2022 provide the most opportune conditions for him to clinch the coveted title?

Recalling the days of Messi's inaugural World Cup appearance in 2006. A mere 19 years old, Messi earned a spot on the national team roster under Coach Jose Pekerman, propelled by his exceptional club performance.

During that season with Barcelona, Messi amassed 8 goals and 5 assists in 25 matches. He was also a pivotal part of the triumphant Blaugrana squad that secured both the La Liga crown and the Champions League.

However, leading up to the World Cup, Messi grappled with a hamstring injury, sidelining him for the final 12 matches at the club level before heading to Germany.

Pekerman, cautious about Messi's fitness, cautiously introduced him as a substitute in Argentina's match against Serbia, where Messi contributed with 1 goal and 1 assist.

Regrettably, he wasn't fielded in Argentina's quarter-final clash against Germany, which led to disappointment among Argentine fans. Many questioned Pekerman's reluctance to grant Lionel Messi more playing time, feeling it could have altered their fate in the tournament.

Fast forward to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Messi's second appearance on the grand stage. The buildup to this World Cup carried a sense of significance for La Pulga. His staggering performance in the 2009/10 season at Barça, clinching the La Liga title with an astounding 47 goals and 12 assists, culminated in Messi securing his maiden Ballon d'Or title at the tender age of 22.

Set to embark on the World Cup journey alongside the iconic Diego Armando Maradona, Messi carried the weight of public expectation to propel Argentina to championship glory.

Yet, reality diverged from anticipation. Maradona, a former football superstar, faced skepticism in his coaching role. Despite an abundance of talent, coupled with Messi's brilliance, his aptitude for team cohesion seemed lacking.

The cracks surfaced during the qualifying rounds, where Argentina clinched their spot for South Africa in a nail-biting final match against Uruguay.

The monumental task of donning the revered number 10 jersey for the first time added to Messi's burden. However, under Maradona's guidance, La Pulga struggled to find his stride, failing to net a single goal. Their World Cup journey met a familiar halt in the quarter-finals against Germany.

Fast forward to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, preceded by a discordant episode at the 2011 Copa America. Messi and his compatriots faltered against Uruguay in the quarter-finals, with reports surfacing of a rift between Messi and senior teammate Nicolas Burdisso in the dressing room.

The turmoil dissipated upon Alejandro Sabella's appointment to steer Messi and his comrades towards the 2014 World Cup. Sabella, renowned for managing team dynamics, brought stability.

Preceding the World Cup, Messi's form at the club level lacked championship triumphs. In the 2013/14 season with Barcelona, he tallied 41 goals and 14 assists from 41 games. Transitioning under coach Tata Martino and contending with Neymar's presence slightly dimmed Messi's radiance. Additionally, he grappled with recurring muscle injuries, departing for Brazil in less than peak physical condition.

Despite the bleak circumstances preceding the World Cup, a shift occurred. Under Sabella's tutelage, Messi and his cohorts showcased improved teamwork, sailing through the group stage and maintaining consistency to reach the final.

Yet, "barely" encapsulated Messi's situation then. His World Cup dream of hoisting the trophy dwindled at the final moment. Nevertheless, Messi shone, scoring four goals—a remarkable feat in La Pulga's national team career.

Returning from retirement amid chaos under Sampaoli, let's delve into the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Messi rounded off his season at Barcelona with Valverde, despite aging, delivering an impressive tally of 45 goals and 20 assists from 54 matches. He clinched both La Liga and Copa Del Rey titles, maintaining a stable footing as he headed for Russia.

However, a pivotal spotlight illuminated a prior narrative—Messi's perceived vacillation regarding retirement. His declaration to retire after the 2016 Copa America Centenario reverberated in the football world.

Eventually, in 2018, he reversed his decision, marking his fourth World Cup appearance with La Albiceleste at the age of three.

Under the new coach Jorge Sampaoli, Argentina harbored fresh aspirations following their near-miss in 2014. Yet, once more, reality diverged from expectations. Messi, as team captain, struggled to grasp Sampaoli's directives, leading to confusion and chaos, exemplified by their 3-0 defeat against Croatia in the group stages. Sampaoli's tactics failed to resonate with most players, breeding discomfort within the team.

Despite the initial friction, Argentina rallied to progress from the group stage. However, their momentum faltered against France in the last 16, thwarting Messi's fourth attempt at seizing the coveted crown.

As the 2022 World Cup beckons—his final appearance on this grand stage and his fifth World Cup—Messi, now with PSG, rediscovered his form at the age of 35, contributing 12 goals in 19 matches.

Within the national team, under Coach Scaloni's tenure, Messi found a renewed sense of ease. The old guard of players has mostly faded away, leaving perhaps only him and Di Maria. Scaloni liberated Messi to cultivate his own rhythm within the national squad.

This emerging generation isn't his competition but rather part of his legion of fans, fostering a setting where Messi, as the senior figure, feels profoundly valued.

The team harmoniously caters to his needs, assuming any necessary role to amplify Messi's brilliance—a level of comfort previously elusive in past World Cup editions.