Many will remember the 2014 World Cup final at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, when a fresh-faced Mario Gotze came off the bench for Germany and won his country their fourth title with a late goal in extra-time — crushing the hearts of Argentina fans all over the world.
On Brazilian soil, the host nation would never have lived it down if their bitter rivals La Albiceleste lifted the famous gold trophy in Rio — especially after the Seleção suffered an embarrassing 7-1 thrashing to the Germans in the semi-finals.
Eight years on, and with France crowned world champions in Russia since, Argentina are looking like serious contenders to compete for the World Cup in Qatar.
Lionel Scaloni’s men are on a fantastic run of 35 games undefeated, which includes victories over Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final and European champions Italy in the Finalissima at Wembley earlier this year, and they are now the second favourites to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Argentina are, without a doubt, the in-form team going into the Middle East-based tournament and with the burden of arguably underperforming in the Lionel Messi era off their shoulders with that Copa America success — their first piece of major silverware in 28 years — they might be able to play with a bit more freedom in Qatar.
And, with the news that this will be Messi’s last appearance at the World Cup, his teammates will be eager to give him the send off he deserves for carrying a nation. A World Cup medal might just be the defining factor in the Paris Saint-Germain star being recognised at the best player of all time as well.
The strength and depth Scaloni boasts, especially in attacking areas, is scary — with Paulo Dybala, Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez alongside Messi. But it is a well-rounded squad too, with quality all over the pitch in the form of Emi Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lisandro Martinez to name just a few.
Argentina have the chance to make a real statement of intent in their opening game of Group C against minnows Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium on November 22. La Albiceleste are the heavy favourites to pick up all three points in the bet on Argentina v Saudi Arabia lines, and a big victory over the 51st-ranked team would be the perfect start to their tournament.
On current form, they should have no issues in their remaining Group C games against Mexico and Poland — topping the standings to potentially get an easier path through the knockout stages. Denmark and the Netherlands, two winnable games on paper, are their likeliest round of 16 and quarter-final opponents, but the semis are where it gets interesting.
In a match that will have football fans all the around the world salivating, Argentina could meet Brazil in the last four. The winner of that would gain some serious momentum going into the final at the Lusail and would surely fancy their chances of lifting the title no matter who they face in the showpiece match.
Argentina have come a long way over the last couple of years. They are perhaps the number one team in the world on form, and if they perform as well as we all know they can in Qatar, then Messi could be hoisting the title aloft on December 18.
