Argentina

The Argentina national football team (Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Argentina) represents Argentina in men's international football and is administered by the Argentine Football Association, the governing body for football in Argentina.

Nicknamed La Albiceleste ('The White and Sky Blue'), they are the reigning world champions, having won the most recent World Cup in 2022, earning their third star shown by the team's crest. Overall, Argentina has appeared in a World Cup final six times, a record equaled by Italy and surpassed only by Brazil and Germany. Argentina played in the first ever final in 1930, which they lost 4–2 to Uruguay. The following final appearance came 48 years later, in 1978, when the team captained by Daniel Passarella defeated the Netherlands 3–1 in extra time, becoming world champions for the first time. Captained by Diego Maradona, Argentina won their second World Cup eight years later, in 1986, with a 3–2 final victory over West Germany. They reached the final once more under the guidance of Maradona, in 1990, but were ultimately beaten 1–0 by West Germany. A few decades later, Argentina, led by Lionel Messi made their fifth final appearance in 2014, losing to Germany 1–0 after extra time. In 2022, again captained by Messi, they were crowned world champions for the third time, the fourth-most of any country, beating France 4–2 on penalties, following a 3–3 draw after extra time.

The team's World Cup–winning managers are César Luis Menotti in 1978, Carlos Bilardo in 1986 and Lionel Scaloni in 2022. Since the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player was officially awarded by FIFA in 1982, Argentina players have won it three times: Maradona in 1986 and Messi in 2014 and 2022. Argentines Guillermo Stábile in 1930 and Mario Kempes in 1978 were the top-scoring players at their respective World Cups.

Argentina has also been very successful in the Copa América, winning it 15 times, a record shared with Uruguay, most recently winning the 2021 edition. The team won the inaugural FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992. Argentina is the most successful team in the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, having won it twice, in 1993 and 2022. Argentina is known for having rivalries with Brazil, Uruguay, England, Germany and the Netherlands. As of 2024, Argentina holds the record for most official titles won by a men's national team with 22. Individually for Argentina, Lionel Messi is the all-time most-capped player with 180 games and the highest goalscorer with 106 goals. As of December 2023, Argentina ranks 1st by FIFA.

Argentina is one of the most successful and iconic soccer teams in the world. The team is known for its passionate and skilled players, as well as its rich history of success in international competitions. Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1978 and 1986, and has also claimed multiple Copa America titles.

The team's iconic blue and white striped jerseys are instantly recognizable on the field, and their fans, known as "La Albiceleste," are some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic in the world. Argentina's roster is filled with world-class talent, including superstars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Paulo Dybala.

Argentina's style of play is characterized by quick, attacking football, with an emphasis on skillful dribbling, precise passing, and clinical finishing. The team is known for its ability to create scoring opportunities out of seemingly impossible situations, and their matches are always exciting and unpredictable.

Overall, Argentina is a powerhouse in international soccer, and their presence on the field is always a force to be reckoned with. Whether they are competing in the World Cup, Copa America, or any other tournament, Argentina is a team that commands respect and admiration from fans and opponents alike.