Argentina National Football Team: Key Matches, Historical Moments, and What’s Next

There is no doubt that the Argentina national football team, famously called ‘La Albiceleste’, is one of the most victorious and iconic national teams in the entire history of football. With 3 FIFA World Cup titles (1978, 1986, 2022), 15 Copa América championships (a record shared with Uruguay), and 2 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions wins (1993, 2022), Argentina has cemented its place as a footballing powerhouse on the global stage. Lionel Messi, Argentina’s all-time most-capped player (180 appearances) and top goalscorer (106 goals), has been the driving force behind the Argentina national football team’s recent triumphs, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

Argentina’s football prowess is deeply rooted in its rich history, dating back to its dominant periods in the 1920s and 1940s-1950s in South American football. The team’s iconic light blue and white striped jersey, unchanged since 1908, has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in World Cup history, including triumphs under legendary managers César Luis Menotti (1978), Carlos Bilardo white striped(1986), and Lionel Scaloni (2022). With a fierce rivalry against neighboring Uruguay and a long-standing competitive spirit against football giants like Brazil, England, Germany, and the Netherlands, Argentina’s national football team has captivated fans worldwide with its electrifying performances and unwavering determination.

History

The Argentina national football team has a long and storied history, dating back to their first official match in 1902 against Uruguay. Over the years, they have achieved remarkable success, winning the FIFA World Cup 3 times (1978, 1986, 2022) and being runners-up 3 times (1930, 1990, 2014). They have also been very successful in the Copa América, winning the tournament a record 15 times, most recently in 2021.

Key Historical Moments

1. Winning their first World Cup in 1978 on home soil was a monumental achievement and a key historical moment for Argentina.
2. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” against England in the 1986 World Cup, leading Argentina to their second World Cup title, is another iconic moment that has etched itself in football history.
3. Reaching the 1990 World Cup final, where they lost to West Germany, was another significant achievement for the team.
4. Winning their third World Cup in 2022, defeating France in the final, is Argentina’s most recent historical triumph.

Legendary Coaches and Players

Argentina has had several legendary coaches who have led the team to World Cup victories, including:

• César Luis Menotti (1978)
• Carlos Bilardo (1986)
• Lionel Scaloni (2022)

The team has also produced many world-class players over the years, including:

• Diego Maradona
• Lionel Messi
• Mario Kempes
• Sergio Agüero

While Argentina had a period of mediocre World Cup performances between 1934-1962, their triumphs in 1978, 1986, and 2022, along with their dominant run in the Copa América/Campeonato Sudamericano, especially in the 1940s and 1950s, have cemented their status as one of the giants of international football, known for their immense football passion and legendary players.

Team Structure

Coaching Staff

The Argentina national football team’s coaching staff is led by manager Lionel Scaloni, who has overseen the team’s remarkable success in recent years, including their 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Scaloni is supported by assistant managers Pablo Aimar and Roberto Ayala, as well as other staff members Walter Samuel, Matías Manna, Martín Tocalli, and Luis Martín.

Player Composition

1. The Argentina squad in 2022 consisted of 30 players, including both FIFA and non-FIFA players.
2. Key players in the team include:
   • Lionel Messi
   • Lautaro Martínez
   • Ángel Di María
   • Rodrigo de Paul
   • Julián Álvarez
3. The team includes players from elite European clubs, such as:
   • Manchester City
   • Juventus
   • Inter Milan
   • Atlético Madrid

Formations and Tactics

1. Argentina’s base formation is typically a 4-1-3-2, featuring:
   • 1 goalkeeper
   • 4 defenders
   • 1 defensive midfielder
   • 3 attacking midfielders
   • 2 strikers
2. During dynamic build-up play, they may shift to a 4-2-2-1-2-1 formation, creating a triangle with 2 holding midfielders and Messi to facilitate the build-up.
3. Defensively, Argentina maintains a more rigid 4-1-3-2 structure, forming different defensive lines to prevent opponents’ offensive progression.
4. Under Scaloni, Argentina has displayed adaptability and flexibility in their formation and system of play during the 2022 World Cup, often shifting between a 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1, 4-3-3, and even a 3-5-2 at times.
5. Scaloni’s tactics are fluid and free-flowing, without adhering to a rigid formation or shape.

The Argentina national football team’s structure is characterized by a blend of experienced and talented players from top European clubs, a dynamic coaching staff, and a flexible tactical approach that allows them to adapt to different game situations.

Playing Style and Tactics

Transitions and Counterattacks

Argentina excels in transition phases, both in attack and defense. In the defense-attack transition, they look to attack vertically, making a first forward pass to reduce the opposition’s defensive width and occupy the central and wide channels. This direct approach allows them to launch quick counterattacks and exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defensive line.

In the attack-defense transition, Argentina is effective at winning the ball back, with players applying intense pressure on the ball carrier and closing down passing lanes. Their aggressive counter-pressing approach enables them to regain possession high up the pitch and immediately transition into counterattacks.

Formations and Player Roles

1. 4-4-2 Formation
2. Lionel Messi operates in an advanced, creative role between the lines.
3. Julian Alvarez provides energy and makes runs in behind as the striker partner.
4. Defensive Approach
5. Argentina is compact and organized, employing a rigid man-marking approach.
6. They are effective at counter-pressing to win the ball back quickly.
7. Fluid Tactical Shifts
8. Against France in the 2022 World Cup final, Argentina initially played a 4-3-3 formation.
9. They utilized their left side, with Ángel Di María providing width and Nicolás Tagliafico pushing forward.
10. In central areas, Alexis Mac Allister advanced through the left inside channel, while Julián Álvarez pushed France’s defensive line deeper, creating space for Lionel Messi to receive and combine.
11. In the second half, Argentina settled into a deeper block and attacked on the counter, with Di María providing an outlet.
12. After Di María’s substitution, Argentina lacked a transitional threat out wide.

Possession and Pressing

1. Possession Play
2. Argentina focuses on creating numerical superiority around the ball through constant player movement and approximation.
   • This approach aims to create overloads and find gaps in the opposition’s defensive structure.
3. Defensive Pressing
4. Defensively, Argentina press aggressively in a man-oriented system.
5. Their goal is to win the ball back high up the pitch and quickly transition into counterattacks.
6. Transition Moments
7. In transitions, Argentina looks to launch quick, vertical counterattacks.
8. They commit numbers forward to maximize the chaos and exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defense.

Argentina’s playing style and tactics are characterized by their ability to transition between attack and defense effectively, their fluid formations and player roles, and their aggressive pressing and counterattacking approach. Their adaptability and willingness to commit numbers forward in attack make them a formidable opponent for any team.

Key Players

Lionel Messi: The Talismanic Captain

Lionel Messi is the undisputed talisman of the Argentina national football team. With 180 appearances and 106 goals, he is the most-capped player and all-time top scorer for his country. Messi’s influence on the team extends beyond his prolific goal-scoring abilities; he is the creative force that orchestrates Argentina’s attacking play and dictates the game’s tempo.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s triumph, contributing 5 goals and 3 assists. His performances earned him the Golden Ball award, cementing his status as one of the greatest players ever.

Experienced Veterans and Promising Youngsters

Argentina’s squad boasts a well-balanced blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. Seasoned campaigners like Ángel Di María (138 caps, 30 goals) and Nicolás Otamendi (111 caps) provide invaluable experience and leadership.

On the other hand, players like Lautaro Martínez (22 goals) and Julián Álvarez represent the future of Argentine football, having already made significant contributions to the team’s success.

Key Contributors in the 2022 World Cup

Several players played pivotal roles in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, including:

• Emiliano Martínez (Golden Glove winner)
• Enzo Fernández (Young Player of the Tournament)
• Rodrigo de Paul
• Nahuel Molina

Injury Concerns and Upcoming Challenges

While Argentina’s squad is talented and well-rounded, they face potential challenges due to injuries. Enzo Fernández, the Chelsea midfielder who won the Young Player of the Tournament award, recently underwent surgery for a hernia injury and may miss the remainder of the season.

Additionally, Argentina faces crucial decisions regarding Lionel Messi’s involvement in upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia, as well as the 2024 Copa América tournament, which Fernández may miss due to his injury.

Despite these challenges, Argentina’s squad remains formidable, with a blend of experienced veterans and promising youngsters poised to continue the team’s legacy of success on the global stage.

Rivalries and Competitions

Major Rivalries

The Argentina national football team has several major rivalries, some of which are deeply rooted in history and intense competition:

1. Argentina–Brazil Rivalry
2. Known as the ‘Superclásico de las Américas’, this rivalry is highly anticipated and fiercely contested due to the historical success and competitive nature of both teams.
3. Key events include the 1990 incident with alleged water bottle tampering, the 1978 World Cup match, and the 2008 Olympics.
4. Argentina–Uruguay Rivalry
5. Argentina and Uruguay share a ‘hate-love’ relationship, with a strong football rivalry.
6. They have won the most Copa América titles between them, fueling their competitive spirit.
7. Argentina–England Rivalry
8. This rivalry has intensified due to historical events like the Falklands War and the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match where Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal was scored.
9. Argentina–Germany Rivalry
10. Argentina and Germany have faced each other in several important World Cup matches, including the finals in 1986, 1990, and 2014.
11. Germany has often eliminated Argentina from the World Cup, adding to the rivalry.
12. Argentina–Chile Rivalry
13. Recent losses to Chile in the Copa América finals have added to Argentina’s list of football rivals.

Other Notable Rivalries

Apart from these major rivalries, Argentina also has intense rivalries with other nations, including:

• Mexico
• Netherlands
• Japan vs. South Korea
• Algeria vs. Egypt
• Honduras vs. El Salvador (known as the ‘Football War’)
• Portugal vs. Spain
• Mexico vs. USA

These rivalries have added to the intense competitive spirit and passion surrounding the Argentina national football team, making their matches against these opponents highly anticipated and fiercely contested events.

Domestic Rivalries

Within Argentina, there are several intense domestic rivalries between clubs, including:

1. Superderby (Boca Juniors vs. River Plate)
   • The most important and fiercest derby in Argentina, with over 70% of Argentine football fans supporting these two teams.
2. Avellaneda Derby (Independiente vs. Racing)
   • The second most important rivalry is between the third and fourth most popular clubs in Argentina.
3. Rosario Derby (Newell’s Old Boys vs. Rosario Central)
   • The most important derby outside of Buenos Aires.
4. Huracán – San Lorenzo de Almagro Derby
   • An important derby in Buenos Aires between the 5th and 10th most popular clubs.
5. Western Derby (Ferro Carril Oeste vs. Vélez Sársfield)
   • A derby in the west of Buenos Aires.
6. La Plata Derby (Estudiantes de La Plata vs. Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata)
   • The derby in the city of La Plata.
7. Córdoba Derby (Belgrano vs. Talleres)
   • The derby in the city of Córdoba.
8. Santa Fe Derby (Colón vs. Unión)
   • The derby in the city of Santa Fe.
9. Tucumán Derby (San Martín de Tucumán vs. Club Atlético Tucumán)
   • The most important match in northern Argentina.

These domestic rivalries showcase the passion and intensity of football culture within Argentina, further fueling the competitive spirit of the national team and its players.

Future Prospects

Coaching Continuity and Youth Integration

Lionel Scaloni, the 44-year-old head coach, has a contract that runs until the 2026 World Cup, providing continuity for the team. Scaloni has shown he trusts youth, with players like Enzo Fernández (21), Julián Álvarez (22), and Alexis Mac Allister (23) impressing at the 2022 World Cup. Other young players are waiting for a chance, such as Lisandro Martínez (24), Facundo Medina (23), and Nehuén Pérez (22). Scaloni is likely to start integrating more young players soon, with the 2024 Copa America and 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

Promising Young Talents

Three players who were not in the 2022 World Cup squad but could play a key role in the future are:

1. Alejandro Garnacho (18, left-winger) – Plays for Manchester United, eligible for Argentina through his Argentine mother.
2. Luka Romero (18, right-winger) – Born in Mexico to Argentine parents, plays for Lazio in Italy.
3. Valentín Barco (18, left-back) – Plays for Boca Juniors, is technically gifted, and can also play in a more attacking role.

Potential 2026 World Cup Squad

Lionel Messi, the hero of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, will be 38 years old by the time the 2026 World Cup takes place. This was likely his last World Cup appearance.

Given their strong squad, cohesive tactics, and Messi’s potential last chance at a World Cup title, Argentina is considered one of the favorites to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.