Argentina
The Argentina men's national football team is one of the most successful and storied teams in global football history. Founded in 1893, Argentina has consistently been a dominant force in international competitions. The team’s legacy is built on a tradition of producing world-class players and winning major tournaments. Argentina has won the prestigious FIFA World Cup twice, in 1978(hosted in Argentina) and 1986(in Mexico), with the latter tournament featuring the legendary Diego Maradona, whose "Hand of God" goal and stunning solo effort against England in the quarterfinals are etched in football lore.
Between 2020 and 2024, the Argentina men's national football team experienced a period of resurgence and success, solidifying their place as one of the top footballing nations in the world.
In 2021, under coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina achieved a historic triumph by winning the Copa América in Brazil, their first continental title in 28 years. The final saw Argentina defeat Brazil 1-0, with Ángel Di María scoring the decisive goal. This victory was significant for Lionel Messi, who had faced years of disappointment with the national team but finally secured his first major international trophy. The win marked a turning point for Argentina, with Messi earning widespread praise for his leadership and performance.
Following the Copa América, Argentina continued their impressive form, securing qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The team's performances in World Cup qualifiers were strong, and Argentina became one of the most feared teams heading into the tournament. They ended the qualifiers unbeaten in 15 matches, with Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Rodrigo De Paul playing key roles.
In 2022, Argentina participated in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they performed brilliantly, ultimately winning the tournament. Argentina defeated France in a thrilling final, which ended 3-3 after extra time, with Messi scoring twice and winning the Golden Ball. Argentina triumphed in a penalty shootout, 4-2, securing their third World Cup title, cementing Messi's legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
In 2023, Argentina continued their dominance, winning the Finalissima against Italy, further cementing their status as one of the best teams in the world. By 2024, Argentina was viewed as a major contender in global football, blending veteran leadership from Messi with a new generation of stars, ensuring their future remained bright.
