Known as the Albicelestes, Argentina has appeared in five World Cup finals, including their first final in 1930, which they lost 4–2 to Uruguay. Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina made their fifth appearance in a World Cup final in 2014, where they lost to Germany, 1–0 during extra-time.
The Albiceleste team has been very successful in the Copa América, winning it 14 times and also winning the ‘extra’ South American Championships in 1941, 1945 and 1946. The team also won the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 1993 Artemio Franchi Trophy. The Argentine olympic team won the Olympics football tournaments in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
Argentina, Brazil, Germany and France are the only national teams that have won the three most important men’s titles recognized by FIFA: the World Cup, the Confederations Cup and the Olympic tournament.
They’re known for having rivalries with Brazil, Uruguay, England, and Germany due to historic occurrences with one another throughout football history.
First game: Argentina vs Iceland (16/06)
Star: Lionel Messi
Messi began playing from an early age, and his talent was soon apparent. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was a condition that stunted growth and required expensive medical treatment, including the use of the drug Human growth hormone.
His local club, River Plate were interested in signing Messi but didn’t want to pay for his medical treatment. So, he was given a trial with Barcelona and coach Carles Rexach was impressed – offering Messi a contract (written on a paper napkin) which included paying for Messi’s treatment in Spain.
Years later, Messi is now considered one of the best footballers in history. He has been voted for FIFA’s player of the year on five
separate occasions.
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli
Sampaoli started out as a youth player and eventually switched to management after a severe injury.
Sampaoli earned praise as the head coach of Universidad de Chile, winning three league titles and the Copa Sudamericana championship. This success led him to coach the Chilean men’s national team in 2012, replacing Claudio Borghi. He led the Chilean national football team to their first Copa América title, after defeating Argentina in the final in the 2015 tournament in Chile. He is well known for his attacking tactics which are similar to those of Marcelo Bielsa.
On 28 June 2016, Sampaoli signed a two-year contract with Sevilla.
After spending only one year in Spain and leading Sevilla to fourth spot in La Liga, allowing them to play the Champions League football next season, Sampaoli left the club to coach the Argentina national team.
Group: Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria.
