Argentina are a giant of international football, having won the World Cup twice (1978 and 1986) and been runners up a further three times, most recently in 2014 when they were beaten in extra-time by Germany.
They are the team with the joint most World Cup appearances, having played a part in all but four World Cups, and are one of the favourites this time round after an impressive qualifying. They have Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in their group.
Lionel Messi can become the Argentine with the most World Cup appearances should he play a part in all three group stage games, overtaking Diego Maradona, and also needs 5 goals to become his country’s record goalscorer on this stage.
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Argentina World Cup 2022 Tips
Read the latest Argentina odds ahead of the World Cup, including their odds to win the tournament, odds to claim the golden boot, 101 Great Goals’ top tip and more 2022 World Cup predictions and tips.
Argentina World Cup Predictions
World Cup betting tips
Argentina have flattered to deceive in the past few editions of the World Cup, and are now without a title since 1986. They were runners-up in 2014 – though they were not the same side of old – and have so often crashed out in the knockout rounds despite a stellar squad of attacking talent. There are hopes that their strong qualification this year points to an improved showing, and a better-balanced squad this year – rather than the over reliance on Lionel Messi – could be a huge boost to their hopes.
Argentina Golden Boot Prediction
World Cup betting tips
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the best players to have played the game, but the one thing missing from his CV is a World Cup medal. Many people will be desperate for the little magician to replicate Diego Maradona and lift the World Cup this year, and given his amazing goalscoring record over the years it would take a brave person to bet against him finally firing Argentina to glory. With group games against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland he could get a head start on the competition – especially with a strong support cast around him this year compared to previous editions.
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Manager
Lionel Scaloni
Sampaoli left by mutual consent following the end of their last World Cup, in which Argentina fell to a 4-3 defeat to eventual winners France.
Disappointing in 2018, Argentina have not lost a game since the 2019 Copa America, and are currently the Copa America and Finalissima champions.
Scaloni has found a way to get the best out of his squad, often deploying them in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system which features a narrow midfield and full-backs bombing on.
Record
Total appearances: 18
First qualification: 1930
Most recent: 2018
Best achievement: Winners (1978, 1986)
World Ranking: 3
Overall record: P81, W43, D15, L23
Key players
Lionel Messi
This will be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup, and the man considered one of the best in football’s history will be desperate to go out on a high having been a runner-up in 2014, a tournament in which scooping up player of the tournament will have come as little consolation. He will be determined to finally etch his name in World Cup history.
Emiliano Martinez
Martinez’s addition to the side has coincided with their new-found form, and the Aston Villa shot stopper helped his side to the Copa America trophy in 2021, making three saves in the semi-final shoot-out with Colombia.
Slightly off the boil in the opening weeks of the Premier League season, the Argentine will nonetheless be a key part of any success that the Albiceste experience this winter.
Cristian Romero
Tottenham’s Cristian Romero is expected to start alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Argentine defence, and his ability on the ball as well as defensively will be key to their success. Tough occasionally bordering on reckless, he will need to ensure he remains in the former camp, and not the latter in Qatar.
Fan expectation for Argentina in the World Cup
“Argentina did not have a great World Cup in 2018 back in Russia. However, the team today compared to the team from four years ago is night and day. This team was able to bring home a trophy (and even two trophies) after 28 years of having won nothing, despite having great players and squads throughout the years.
“They are on a roll, currently undefeated in 35 games, have a very impressive defensive record and while Lionel Messi still produces the individual moments of brilliance which only he can, the team have shown that they can play well and win games without him.
“That is how far this Argentina team has come since the last World Cup. While there are several strong teams going into Qatar, Argentina might slowly be flying under the radar. Hitting their stride at the right moment, don’t be surprised if Argentina go very far in the tournament.”
101′s Argentina World Cup Tip
101 Great Goals are backing Argentina to go a long way in the World Cup. Although we don’t think they quite have enough to win the whole thing – they still rely too much on Lionel Messi – they should have enough about them to go very deep in the competition.
101’s Top Tip
Argentina stats, fixtures and results
Follow our Argentina page for the latest statistics, live odds, fixtures, results and match facts of every game at the World Cup.
