Don’t get me wrong - but I’m not the most reliable source for this article right now. I´m really divided in my thoughts and I'll will try to explain them; A big part of the problem is that I have Argentina’s National Team Song from the 2022 World Cup, ”Muchachos ” by La Mosca echoed in my head since 2022.
”In Argentina I was born, Land of Diego and Lionel, Of the children of Malvinas - That I will never forget. I can’t explain it to you, Because you won’t understand - The finals we lost How many years I cried.”
The feeling of that song, combined with the 2022 World Cup victory, has etched itself into my brain forever and is heavily influencing me right now. Maybe it's the fear that the beautiful fairy tale someday will end. Even though Argentina hasn't conceded a single goal in their two Copa América matches so far, we’re not quite at that high Qatar level.
On November 26, 2022, after the crucial World Cup group stage match against Mexico that propelled Argentina to the top of the table and into the round of 16, the Argentine national team was caught on camera in the locker room singing that very song.
”Muchachos (Guys), now we're getting our hopes up again, I want to win the third - I want to be world champion. And Diego, From the sky we can see him, With Don Diego and La Tota (Maradona's parents ) - Cheering Lionel on!”
The rest is history. And that’s the thing - this song is also becoming history, and every story comes to an end. I don’t think that end will come against Peru, who are currently last in the South American World Cup qualifiers - but what if it's already starting to fade away without me realizing it? I'm going to make a test-prediction with my heart. After this match, we'll know the state of both the Argentine national team and an Argentine heart. Have we passed the expiration date? Or has the Argentine national team simply adapted to the competition so far? If the answer to the last question is yes, it's time to get up to speed - hard times await.
Messi's temporary injury against Peru opens up opportunities for other players to bring in fresh energy and seize their chance in a position that's otherwise locked down.
I might be a bit harsh on our dear Peruvian brothers, but the truth is that Argentina leads the South American World Cup qualifiers while Peru sits at the bottom. Maybe it's just temporary. Unfortunately, Peru didn't gain any points after their draw against Chile in the first round. And sadly, the match isn't being played at their favorite high-altitude venue in Peru, where all South American teams struggle with the thin air. For Peru, this Copa América run is coming to an end.
My heart says the details will finally click for Argentina after two decent matches where they've played down to their opponent's level, instead of playing with joy regardless of the opponent. Meanwhile, Peru will quickly realize there are no three points to be won here. Facing Argentina without any prospects for advancement could easily turn into a goal-fest.
Play to win Muchachos, or go home.
