Argentina’s long history with the World Cup is littered with triumph and controversy.
The two-time champions usually rock up to major tournaments in utter chaos – both on and off the pitch – but they arrive in Qatar calm, collected and with a very, very good chance of going all the way.
Can Lionel Messi emulate Diego Maradona and lead his country to the most coveted prize in football? Metro Sport takes a look at all things Argentina:
The Manager: Lionel Scaloni
Assistant manager to his predecessor Jorge Sampaoli, Lionel Scaloni was promoted to the top job following Argentina’s calamitous campaign in Russia four years ago.
Under his reign, Scaloni has turned his country’s fortunes around, winning the 2021 Copa America, their first major trophy in 28 years.
They are also enjoying a remarkable 35 match unbeaten run that stretches all the way back to July 2019.
Star Player: Lionel Messi
Who else? 11 league titles, four Champions Leagues, seven Ballon d’Ors and 796 career goals. Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all-time – probably.
A huge dip in form last season led some to believe that the little magician had lost his magic touch, but the 35-year-old has started the current campaign with Paris Saint-Germain in blistering form.
After leading Argentina to Copa America glory last year, the huge pressure of winning an international trophy is off his shoulders and that might just help Messi lift the trophy he’s always dreamt of.
Young Player to Watch: Alexis Mac Allister
While not likely to start, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister could be the perfect impact sub should Argentina need to find a late goal.
The 23-year-old is enjoying a fine season with Brighton, with four goals and a string of impressive, energetic performances.
He may not be the most eye-catching name in Qatar, but he’ll be looking to make a big mark on the world stage.
Playing style:
A more youthful but still very experienced squad than in past tournaments, Argentina have a much more balanced team then in prior years where they possessed world-class forwards but mediocre defenders.
They’re much more pragmatic than other top teams but will still look to make the most of their excellent attacking players.
How they’ll line up:
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez always shines in the big games, while Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero partners veteran Nicolas Otamendi, with the ex-Manchester City player preferred to Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez.
Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo de Paul will form the crux of the midfield but the highly-rated Paulo Dybala is not likely to make the XI, even with Spurs loanee Giovani Lo Celso missing because of a hamstring injury.
But it is the aforementioned forward line where Argentina can really shine, through the genius of Messi, the deadly Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and the ever reliable creator Angel Di Maria.
Prediction:
It won’t be plain sailing, but Argentina ought to finish top of Group C ahead of Saudi Arabia, Poland and Mexico.
In the round-of-16 they will likely face reigning champions France or Denmark but realistically they have what it takes to beat anyone and go all the way.
And if they do go deep into the tournament, there is a strong chance that they’ll have to face fierce rivals Brazil in what could be the game of Qatar 2022.
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