Table of Contents
Summary
Introduction
The Context of the 2005-07 Period
3.1 Argentina’s Football Landscape
3.2 Squad Overview
3.3 The Emergence of Lionel Messi
Matches and Performances
4.1 2006 FIFA World Cup Campaign
4.2 Copa América 2007
4.3 Friendly Matches and Other Competitions
Statistics and Key Performances
5.1 Team Statistics
5.2 Individual Contributions of Messi
Kits and Jerseys of the Period
Titles and Achievements
Impact and Legacy of the Era
Conclusion
References
Summary
The 2005-07 period was pivotal in Argentina’s football history as it marked the emergence of Lionel Messi on the international stage. Wearing the number 19 shirt, Messi made his senior debut, participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and played a crucial role in the Copa América 2007. Argentina displayed strong performances throughout this period but fell short in major finals, setting the stage for Messi’s legendary career.
Introduction
Argentina has long been a powerhouse in international football, producing world-class talents. Between 2005 and 2007, the team saw the rise of Lionel Messi, a young prodigy from FC Barcelona, who quickly became one of the most exciting players in the world. This era featured Argentina’s strong showing in the 2006 World Cup and a Copa América final appearance in 2007, with Messi playing a significant role.
The Context of the 2005-07 Period
3.1 Argentina’s Football Landscape
During this period, Argentina was under the management of José Pékerman (2005-06) and later Alfio Basile. The team featured a mix of experienced players like Juan Román Riquelme and promising young talents like Messi, Carlos Tévez, and Sergio Agüero.
3.2 Squad Overview
Argentina’s squad was a balance of seasoned professionals and rising stars. Key players included:
Juan Román Riquelme (Playmaker)
Hernán Crespo (Striker)
Roberto Ayala (Defender)
Lionel Messi (Winger/Forward)
3.3 The Emergence of Lionel Messi
Messi made his senior debut for Argentina in August 2005 at the age of 18. He quickly gained international attention with his dribbling ability, pace, and vision, solidifying himself as a key player by the 2006 World Cup.
Matches and Performances
4.1 2006 FIFA World Cup Campaign
Argentina had an impressive run in the 2006 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Germany on penalties.
Group Stage Results:
Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast
Argentina 6-0 Serbia and Montenegro (Messi scored and assisted)
Argentina 0-0 Netherlands
Knockout Stage:
Round of 16: Argentina 2-1 Mexico (Messi provided an assist)
Quarter-finals: Argentina 1-1 Germany (Lost on penalties)
4.2 Copa América 2007
Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s run to the Copa América final in 2007, scoring and assisting in key matches.
Key Results:
Argentina 4-1 USA (Messi assisted a goal)
Argentina 3-0 Mexico (Messi scored a stunning chip goal)
Final: Argentina 0-3 Brazil
4.3 Friendly Matches and Other Competitions
Messi featured in multiple friendly matches, scoring his first international goal against Croatia in 2006. He also played a role in Argentina’s qualification for the 2008 Olympics.
Statistics and Key Performances
5.1 Team Statistics
Goals Scored: 34 (2005-07 period)
Goals Conceded: 15
Top Scorer: Hernán Crespo (12 goals)
5.2 Individual Contributions of Messi
International Debut: August 17, 2005 vs. Hungary
First International Goal: March 1, 2006 vs. Croatia
Goals Scored (2005-07): 7
Assists: 6
Kits and Jerseys of the Period
During this era, Argentina’s kits were designed by Adidas. The home jersey featured the traditional sky-blue and white stripes, while the away kit was deep navy blue. Messi famously wore the number 19 shirt before switching to number 10 in later years.
Titles and Achievements
While Argentina did not win major senior tournaments in this period, Messi’s individual rise was a significant achievement. The team finished as runners-up in the Copa América 2007 and had a strong showing at the World Cup.
Impact and Legacy of the Era
The 2005-07 period was crucial in shaping Messi’s international career. His performances solidified him as Argentina’s future leader, setting the stage for his dominance in world football. Though Argentina fell short in major tournaments, Messi’s impact was undeniable, foreshadowing the success that would come in later years.
Conclusion
The 2005-07 period was an exciting chapter in Argentina’s football history, marked by the emergence of Lionel Messi. Despite falling short of international trophies, the experience gained during this era paved the way for Messi’s future triumphs, making it a foundational period in his legendary career.
References
Official Argentina Football Association Website: www.afa.com.ar
FIFA Official Website: www.fifa.com
Copa América 2007 Match Reports: www.conmebol.com
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