Argentina’s path to the World Cup was a dramatic one. Heading into the final round of South American qualifying, they were outside of the top four, and in danger of missing out on the showpiece altogether for the first time since 1970.
When they fell behind to Ecuador early in that crucial away game, the disastrous possibility looked like it was becoming reality. Then Lionel Messi happened.
The Argentina captain scored a famous hat-trick to save his team from national embarrassment, and give himself another shot at the international glory which has eluded him in a career with so much club success.
That stunning performance from Messi kept alive Argentina’s hopes of adding to their World Cup successes in 1978 and 1986. Since that latter triumph, which sealed Diego Maradona’s status as a legend, Argentina have reached the final twice, losing to West Germany in 1990 and to Germany again in the most recent edition of the tournament, in 2014.
If they are to add to their trophy haul, much will depend on the players not named Messi playing up to potential. On paper, Argentina have an unfair amount of attacking talent alongside their leading man with Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain in the squad.
However, every one of those players has struggled to replicate their club form for their country in the recent past, which means whether Argentina’s attack is truly a strength remains up for debate.
On the other hand, their defence let in just 16 goals in 18 qualifying matches – only Brazil conceded fewer in their region. Javier Mascherano anchors an uncompromising midfield which keeps the team in contention in most games. At the moment, Argentina’s formula for success relies on their rearguard, rather than the much-vaunted attack.
The other big doubt is whether boss Jorge Sampaoli’s tactics can translate onto the international scene. The fire-brand boss took over last summer and his intense press and passing triangles take time to implement – something he has not been afforded.
Regardless, La Albiceleste will be expected to top a group consisting of Croatia, Iceland, and Nigeria.
From there, their route to ultimate glory could include a couple of mouth-watering clashes: Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the quarter-final, then Neymar’s Brazil in the semi-final. Beating his contemporary rival and his anointed heir would be some way for Messi to end the “greatest of all time” debate.
KEY PLAYER
Lionel Messi
This could be Messi’s last chance to lead his country to a World Cup success. He carried them into this edition and is arguably the best player in football right now, topping the statistics in two positions as a creative force and finisher.
COACH
Jorge Sampaoli
He is looking to succeed where Diego Maradona and Alejandro Sabella failed before him. As Sevilla manager, he routinely got his side to punch above their weight; now, he needs to repeat the feat with a talented squad.
CAPTAIN
Lionel Messi
Messi accounted for nine of Argentina’s 19 goals in the qualifiers, scoring seven and assisting two in just 10 appearances. He single-handedly makes them one of the favourites for the World Cup, despite their middling form.
YOUNG STAR
Paulo Dybala
It’s easy to forget that Dybala is just 24, so quick has his rise been. Dybala at his best relieves the burden on Messi, giving defences another threat to deal with. That could be the key to World Cup glory.
KEY FACTS AND STATS
– No country has been in more World Cup penalty shootouts – Argentina have featured in five, winning four.
– Mascherano is the most capped player in their history surpassing Javier Zanetti’s 143 caps this year.
– Of the top 10 scorers in their history, three are at this World Cup – Messi, Aguero and Higuain.
FIFA Rating
81 DEF 83 MID 86 ATT
World Cups competed at
17 (First in 1930)
World Cup record
P77, W42, D14, L21
Best finish
Champions (1978 & 1986)
Qualification record
P18, W7, D7, L4
World ranking
05
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: N. Guzman (Tigres-UANL), W. Caballero (Chelsea), F. Armani (River Plate).
Defenders: G. Mercado (Sevilla), C. Ansaldi (Inter Milan), N. Otamendi (Man City), F. Fazio (AS Roma), M. Rojo (Man United), N. Tagliafico (Ajax), M. Acuna (Sporting Lisbon).
Midfielders:
J. Mascherano (Hebei China Fortune), E. Salvio (Benfica), L. Biglia (AC Milan), G. Lo Celso (Paris St Germain), E. Banega (Sevilla), M. Lanzini (West Ham), M. Meza (Independiente).
Forwards:
A. Di Maria (Paris St Germain), C. Pavon (Boca Juniors), L. Messi (Barcelona), P. Dybala (Juventus), G.Higuain (Juventus), S. Aguero (Man City).
VERDICT
Jorge Sampaoli is still experimenting with his side and their over-reliance on Messi will see Argentina knocked out before the final.