Lionel Messi and Argentina are heavy favorites to win the World Cup in Qatar after their Copa America triumph and recent excellent form.
The Copa America win last year felt like a burden had been lifted off the shoulders of Argentina captain Lionel Messi. As much as it was a win for the entire Country, it was also a win for millions of Messi fans all over the globe.
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For the first time in a long time, Argentina arrive at an international tournament without that crushing pressure to win. The expectations are high as they will always be when Messi is involved but there is a calmness about them this time.
Argentinas Road to Qatar
Qualification for Qatar was achieved in style as they finished second in the South American qualifying to Brazil, undefeated in 17 games.
There was a bit of controversy on Argentina's path to qualification. Their match against Brazil was abandoned in farcical scenes in Sao Paulo last September. Brazilian state health officials and police, clutching documents, came onto the pitch accusing Argentina players of breaking infringing Covid-19 rules.
Argentina's recent World Cup performances
Argentina are one of the most successful national football teams in the World. The Albicelestes have won the World Cup on two occasions, in 1978 and 1986.
Argentina got to the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they lost by a single goal to Germany in extra time.
The Coach
Lionel Scaloni took the head coach job after being an assistant. His tenure started with heavy criticism. However, he surrounded himself with figures he trusted from his playing days – Aimar, Roberto Ayala and Walter Samuel and that helped him change the narrative.
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Winning the Copa América made Scaloni immune from criticism and fans love him but he will cement his legacy with a World Cup win.
Argentinas Star Player
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the captain and symbol of this Argentina team who, at the age of 35 is going to his fifth World Cup. This is last chance to win the World Cup.
Even though he has lost a little speed and explosiveness, he has instead excelled as a playmaker and his vision is as sparkling as ever. Winning the Copa América lifted a weight of international failure off his shoulders and there is a feeling he will have his best World Cup.
Argentina World Cup squad
The Argentinian Squad selection is headlined by the obvious star name, Lionel Messi. there are other big names in the squad. The likes of Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo de Paul and Christian Romero are other important players.
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Take a look at
Argentina World Cup fixtures
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia - 22, November, 11am
Argentina vs Mexico - 26, November. 7pm
Argentina vs Poland - 30, November. 7pm
Argenetina World Cup odds
Argentina have the second best chance of winning the World Cup according to the bookies with odds of 6.50
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