Argentina is currently the most in-form team at the World Cup after going 35 matches unbeaten with their last loss coming in 2019. They will break an existing record for men’s international football if they can avoid losing in the group stages in Qatar. Of course, the goal is to go a little bit further. Lionel Messi and the team will be aiming for the nation’s sixth World Cup final and the first title since Diego Maradona led the side to victory in Mexico in 1986 after being eliminated by eventual champions France in the round of 16 in 2018. There is a valid cause to be upbeat. This is a team that is more than the sum of its parts, despite having probably the best player to ever play the game. Players know their roles when they have a distinct identity and a stable team. This group has performed well when tested.
That was evident when they won the Copa America last year, a huge victory after 28 years and a motivating event for a team that hasn’t changed much since. It remains to be seen if it will be sufficient to rule the globe, but their success in big-game competitions is encouraging. They defeated Uruguay along the road, beating Brazil at the Maracana to win the trophy. More recently, in the Finalissima at Wembley, Italy was soundly defeated by three goals. All of the games were won by a score of 0—the kind of efficiency that wins competitions.
Argentina enters this World Cup with more composure than others due to their triumph in Copa America. Their offensive effort will undoubtedly be led by the front three of Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Angel Di Maria. Issues with a fringe selection have received a lot of attention throughout the nation. Some people prefer Gonzalo Montiel over Nahuel Molina for the right-back position, while others question Leandro Paredes’ ability in the middle of the field.
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