The South American titans have boasted an eclectic selection of some of the finest footballers to grace the sport; from the mesmeric Diego Maradona in the late 1980's to Lionel Messi of the present. However, they last lifted the prestigious Jules Rimet trophy in 1986, but here are the reasons why this new generation of the 'La Albiceleste' will end this barren draught and finally provide Lionel Messi with his fairy-tale ending of lifting the World Cup.
Squad Re-Vamp
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Argentina had the third oldest team on average (29.6 yrs.) and went to the tournament under Jorge Sampaoli with a squad in need of restoration and modernisation. Meanwhile, since they crashed out in the Round of.16 to France four years ago, Lionel Scaloni has rejuvenated that stagnant team with youth and creativity. Julian Alvarez, 22, and Lautaro Martinez ,25, have formed a new potent attack while, it is a completely new back-line consisting of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez.
Unbeaten record
In addition, Scaloni's team are on a record 35 game unbeaten run, in which they finished their World Cup qualifying group undefeated. They are currently, two games away from the Azzuri's all-time record set in 2018 of 37 games unbeaten. The opportunity to make history in Qatar, will only push this team further and this span of over three years without a loss can only instil mental and physical fortitude as well as confidence going into the tournament.
Two Trophies in Two Years
Argentina had last won the Copa America in 1993, in Lionel Messi's 16-year international career he was trophyless. He had suffered the anguish and heartbreak of losing a World Cup final in 2014 and had lost four out of his last four Copa America finals. However, in 2021 Argentina finally restored national pride and expelled this haunted curse on their national hero by beating Brazil to win the Copa America. They then went on to beat European Champions Italy in the first ever Finalissima to earn their second trophy in two years. So, if there was ever a team more in form going into the World Cup, it is Argentina.
Their number 10
Argentina has a gifted squad featuring a star-studded frontline of 34-year-old Angel Di Maria, Roma's Paulo Dybala and Inter Milan talisman Lautaro Martinez. Add six-time Ballon D'Or winner and all-time top goal scorer for his country, with 91 goals, Lionel Messi and you have on paper something incredible. The PSG attacker is the heartbeat of this team, the entire squad worship him and he evokes a unity and passion from his teammates where they all want to win for him. It could be Messi's last ever World Cup and this makes it almost written in the stars that he lifts the trophy in Qatar. While the former Barcelona legend is on the pitch Argentina will always pose a threat and have the potential to go all the way.
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Look out for more 'Will win the World Cup' articles, as we post a team in each of the next five days who we think can win the tournament. Monday has been two-time World Cup champions Argentina; but Germany, Spain, Brazil and England follow.
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