Argentina

Argentina’s participation in the World Cup can’t arrive at the perfect moment. This is a team that is in great shape and has a lot of self-assurance because they were undefeated in the South American qualifications, won the Copa America for the first time in 28 years, and defeated Italy in the Finalissima at Wembley by a score of 3-0.

The majority of the players that played during the generation that carried the weight of losing three major finals (the 2014 World Cup and two Copa Americas) have now passed away. A surprising choice in 2018 given Lionel Scaloni’s complete absence of coaching experience at the professional level, Scaloni has revitalized a team that is still centered around Lionel Messi but features new stars such as Lautaro Martinez, who has scored a goal every other game on average while playing for Scaloni. 

TACTICS

Skill, quality, and character are present in all lines for Argentina’s national team, from the goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and the fierce-tackling Cristian Romero to the midfield commander Rodrigo De Paul and the still-unstoppable Lionel Messi. Because of the structure, Messi is able to function at a position that is close to the goal of the opposing team. 

READY TO SHINE

Lionel Messi

Already, some are wondering whether or not Scaloni will continue working after the World Cup, which may have an impact on the situation. Angel Di Maria has stated that he will step down from his role with the national team following the conclusion of the tournament, and Lionel Messi has only stated that “after the World Cup I am going to evaluate many things.”

Lionel Messi is still the best player in his country at the age of 35; however, is this his final chance to win the World Cup?