Messi helps give Scaloni's Argentina new-found optimism

Sebi Salazar recaps Mexico's humbling defeat to Argentina, which was Tata Martino's first loss as El Tri manager. Losing the final of the Copa Centenario to Chile in a shootout in New Jersey three years ago plunged the Argentina national team into a cycle of torment. Coach Gerardo Martino resigned soon afterwards, Lionel Messi flirted briefly with international retirement, the road to Russia 2018 was long and traumatic and, under the highly rated Jorge Sampaoli, once they got there they campaign was predictably poor. Editor's Picks Top 30 players under 21 in men's soccer Freddy Adu: 'I'm not ready to give it up' - Viewers' guide: Stream ESPN+ in U.S. - Follow Transfer Talk LIVE - Fantasy: Set lineups, check scores! They were patchy in the recent Copa America, and lost in the semifinals -- meaning that the...

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