On 26 June 2016, Argentina and Chile drew 0-0 after extra time in the Copa América Centenario final. Chile eventually prevailed on penalties, with Messi sending his attempt over the crossbar.
“Estou fora da seleção,” Messi said afterwards, announcing his decision to retire from international football. He later reversed that decision, opening the door to the era that would eventually bring Argentina major silverware.
The memory of that penalty will always belong to the stadium. So too will the emotion of a player who appeared to believe his country’s greatest prize had passed him by.
The report recalls that Messi’s relationship with New Jersey has not been defined solely by disappointment.
He has also created memorable scenes for Inter Miami, including a standout performance against the New York Red Bulls.
A return for the final would give Messi the chance to rewrite the stadium’s most painful image. The missed penalty cannot be erased, but it can be placed beside everything that followed: the decision to continue, the trophies and another World Cup opportunity.
The next storyline is irresistible: whether Messi can turn MetLife from a symbol of regret into the setting for Argentina’s latest celebration.