Argentina

Team Overview

Argentina arrive as defending World Cup champions, seeking to become the first nation since Brazil (1958, 1962) to win back-to-back World Cups. Under Lionel Scaloni — one of the most underrated managers at the tournament — Argentina have built a genuinely exceptional team that is more than just Messi. Julián Álvarez has emerged as a world-class striker. Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo De Paul form a midfield partnership of exceptional quality. Lisandro Martínez leads a defence that has become one of the stingiest in international football. And then there is Messi — 38 years old, almost certainly playing his final World Cup, carrying every ounce of motivation a footballer can carry. The image of Messi lifting the trophy in Qatar 2022 is still recent enough to fuel this squad. They know how to win.

Key Strengths

Argentina's greatest strength is their collective unity and tournament experience. Having won the Copa America and the World Cup in recent years, this group has been through the highest-pressure moments in football and delivered. Messi's leadership transcends his individual brilliance — his presence elevates everyone around him. Álvarez's movement and finishing provides Argentina with goals from multiple sources, while the midfield disrupts opponents before they can settle. Defensively, they concede very little — Scaloni has made them genuinely difficult to break down.

Tournament Prospects

Argentina are legitimate contenders to win back-to-back World Cups — a feat that would place this generation in the highest echelon of football history. Messi's farewell narrative adds an emotional dimension that could either inspire the squad to extraordinary heights or create pressure that proves suffocating. Realistically, Argentina will reach the knockout stages comfortably and should reach at least the semi-final. A Final against France or Brazil would be the neutral's dream.

How to Watch Argentina Live

Argentina matches are shown on TyC Sports and TV Pública in Argentina. International fans can access South American feeds via NordVPN. Given Argentina's global fanbase — the largest in South America — their matches are also widely broadcast across Europe, Asia, and North America on major sports channels.

All Match Times in Your Timezone

See exactly when Argentina play — all kick-off times automatically converted to your local time.