Saturday 4 July 2015 23:20, UK
Argentina face hosts Chile in the Copa America final on Saturday high on confidence after their 6-1 win over Paraguay. But was it the cathartic sight of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez together that proved the turning point? Adam Bate talks to Argentine journalist Andrés Garavaglia to find out more…
There’s a phrase on Garrincha’s gravestone. Alegria do Povo. The Joy of the People. His status was reflected at the old Maracana stadium. The away dressing room was named after Pele. But the home one? Garrincha. The two great Brazilians were equals in a way that Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez have never been, but the parallels in the narrative are there.
Tevez. The street urchin from the notorious Fuerte Apache neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. The man not supposed to succeed. Scarred as a child, the Boca boy inspired empathy, while his scurrying style – that fusion of rare quality and palpable hunger - demanded respect. When he took the roadshow abroad, Argentina was invested.
Messi. Whisked away from Newell’s academy aged 13 on the offer of expensive growth hormone treatment courtesy of Barcelona, Argentina hardly knew him. He was a rumour whispered about in excited tones. When Gigi Buffon recently described him as “an alien” it was a compliment, but it hinted at a distance genius creates. Messi is not like us.
The local hero and the global star. Surely they couldn’t get on. Surely there must be jealousies. The signs were not good. Messi was given the job of serving Tevez at the 2010 World Cup and the results were unconvincing. When Tevez proved the villain at the 2011 Copa America – missing his penalty kick and Messi’s cues – a crossroads was reached.
Frozen out by former Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella, Tevez was on the outside. This was Messi’s team now and it was widely felt that the No 10 was not a Tevez fan. Stories seeped into the consciousness, the quiet influence of a great being brought to bear. It’s an irresistible tale that’s been lapped up for half a decade. But that doesn’t make it right.
Buenos Aires based journalist and author Andrés Garavaglia feels the contrast has long been exaggerated. “I never saw any problem between them,” Garavaglia told Sky Sports. “It's true that the Argentinian press always spoke about one player being jealous of the other, but they never had any problem on the pitch or in their personal relationship.
“Even the idea that Tevez is the people's hero is also something that came from the media, most of all from those that are Boca Juniors supporters, because of the fact that he grew up in poverty. But that’s not a feeling of all Argentinians. Everyone here likes Messi and thinks he is a much better player than Tevez."
“In fact, people love Messi. Not only because of his great quality as a player but also because he is a very kind person. He is calm, has a very nice family, parents, wife, brothers, friends et cetera. He is what every child wants to be.” The old story may have been told often but there have always been nuances and flaws.
For instance, Messi was clearly inconsolable after Argentina’s World Cup defeat. His perceived lack of connection with the country of his birth didn’t stop him racking up 100 caps before turning 28 years old. His commitment has been beyond question and unselfishness remains a feature of his game.
Meanwhile, Tevez’s ostentatious support for Boca Juniors has nevertheless translated into a miserable scoring record for his country – now 13 goals in 72 appearances. Even that famous passion came with a caveat. “I don't miss the national team,” he said in 2012. “I'm happier.” The court of public opinion would have judged others differently.
But suddenly there is a new twist. With Tevez recalled to the squad, the two men are united at last. And it’s working. While Aguero’s place is non-negotiable and more than justified after netting three goals in Chile, Tevez has forced his way into the squad. He is involved. At the weekend, he provided what could be the tournament’s defining moment so far.
It was Tevez’s strike that brought Argentina their penalty shoot-out victory over Colombia in Sunday’s quarter-final. The body language experts and gossip merchants were soon analysing the speed with which Messi made his celebratory sprint from the centre circle. The delight was genuine. “I hugged him with happiness,” Messi told La Nacion.
“It was one of those moments of madness that occur in these situations. Carlitos deserved it. After his experience at the last Copa America, he deserved it this time. I get along very well with him, as with all my team-mates. There was never anything, nor were there were problems with Carlitos. That image with Carlitos cannot be erased.”
The cult hero and football’s modern-day king united at last. Perhaps it’s had a cathartic effect on the country. The pressure certainly seemed off as Messi inspired Argentina’s 6-1 semi-final win over Paraguay. Tevez stayed on the bench but the story barely registered a mention amid the excitement. The boil has been lanced.
Garrincha and Pele achieved their dreams together as youngsters with their 1958 World Cup win in Sweden before their lives took them in very different directions. Messi and Tevez’s paths diverged from the start, but the two men now find themselves at the heart of Argentina’s Copa America challenge.
The rift might have been overblown, but the coming together could yet be spectacular. It’s 29 years since Argentina’s last World Cup, but it’s also 22 years since La Albiceleste last won the Copa America. That long wait could end on Saturday. And it could happen with Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez united in celebration. It’s the stuff that Argentine dreams are made of.
