Argentina almost had it all in the recent years… except for the World Cup trophy. They have been frequent players in the semi-finals, being three-time runners up, but all of these chances are for second best.
The last season they could do it, they were halted by a goal from Germany’s Mario Gotze. This time, the World Cup title is only the remaining item in Lionel Messi’s bucket list in his renowned football career. Will 2018 be the year of the La Albiceleste?
Skills and Scoring
It’s a little embarrassing, but the Argentinians struggled in the qualifying rounds. With 18 group matches, they only won seven games. Thanks to Lionel Messi, they were able to secure a spot on the last game with his hat-trick technique, winning over Ecuador at 3-1. After that, they won against Russia (1-0), then lost at Nigeria (4-2).
Football Star Player
Messi. Need we say more?
Many believe that the five-time Ballon D’Or winner Lionel Messi and Argentina team captain is the only bet for the best Argentinian player. He almost did all the work just to qualify for the Russia World Cup, and that’s the same thing he did during the World Cup four years ago.
In 2016, he retired from playing international football, but then took back his word and joined the national team once more for the “love of his country.â€
Rising Star
As Argentina’s rising star, it seems Paulo Dybala can do wonders for Argentina. Take note: he’s only 24 years old. Since joining Juventus F.C. in 2015, Dybala has been impressing fans, teammates, and opponents with his skills – bagging an astonishing 45 goals in 86 games.
He is the reason why Harry Kane and the rest of the Hotspurs are out of the Champions League.
This is Dybala’s debut in FIFA World Cup.