Search

Argentina national football team

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.

Argentina
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)La Albiceleste
(The White and Sky Blue)[1]
AssociationAsociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA)
ConfederationCONMEBOL (South America)
Head coachLionel Scaloni
CaptainLionel Messi
Most capsLionel Messi (180)
Top scorerLionel Messi (106)
Home stadiumVarious
FIFA codeARG
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 1 Steady (4 April 2024)[2]
Highest1 (March 2007, October 2007 – June 2008, July–October 2015, April 2016 – April 2017, April 2023 –)
Lowest20 (August 1996)
First international
 Uruguay 0–6 Argentina 
(Montevideo, Uruguay; 20 July 1902)[3][4][5][6]
Biggest win
 Argentina 12–0 Ecuador 
(Montevideo, Uruguay; 22 January 1942)
Biggest defeat
 Czechoslovakia 6–1 Argentina 
(Helsingborg, Sweden; 15 June 1958)
 Bolivia 6–1 Argentina 
(La Paz, Bolivia; 1 April 2009)[7]
 Spain 6–1 Argentina 
(Madrid, Spain; 27 March 2018)[8]
World Cup
Appearances18 (first in 1930)
Best resultChampions (1978, 1986, 2022)
Copa América
Appearances43 (first in 1916)
Best resultChampions (1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021)
Panamerican Championship
Appearances2 (first in 1956)
Best resultChampions (1960)
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Appearances2 (first in 1993)
Best resultChampions (1993, 2022)
FIFA Confederations Cup
Appearances3 (first in 1992)
Best resultChampions (1992)
Medal record
FIFA World Cup
Gold medal – first place1978 ArgentinaTeam
Gold medal – first place1986 MexicoTeam
Gold medal – first place2022 QatarTeam
Silver medal – second place1930 UruguayTeam
Silver medal – second place1990 ItalyTeam
Silver medal – second place2014 BrazilTeam
FIFA Confederations Cup
Gold medal – first place1992 ArgentinaTeam
Silver medal – second place1995 ArgentinaTeam
Silver medal – second place2005 ArgentinaTeam
Copa América
Gold medal – first place1921 ArgentinaTeam
Gold medal – first place1925 ArgentinaTeam
Gold medal – first place1927 PeruTeam
Gold medal – first place1929 ArgentinaTeam
Gold medal – first place1937 ArgentinaTeam
Gold medal – first place1941 ChileTeam
Gold medal – first place1945 ChileTeam
Gold medal – first place1946 ArgentinaTeam
Gold medal – first place1947 EcuadorTeam
Gold medal – first place1955 ChileTeam
Gold medal – first place1957 PeruTeam
Gold medal – first place1959 ArgentinaTeam
Gold medal – first place1991 ChileTeam
Gold medal – first place1993 EcuadorTeam
Gold medal – first place2021 BrazilTeam
Silver medal – second place1916 ArgentinaTeam
Silver medal – second place1917 UruguayTeam
Silver medal – second place1920 ChileTeam
Silver medal – second place1923 UruguayTeam
Silver medal – second place1924 UruguayTeam
Silver medal – second place1926 ChileTeam
Silver medal – second place1935 PeruTeam
Silver medal – second place1942 UruguayTeam
Silver medal – second place1959 EcuadorTeam
Silver medal – second place1967 UruguayTeam
Silver medal – second place2004 PeruTeam
Silver medal – second place2007 VenezuelaTeam
Silver medal – second place2015 ChileTeam
Silver medal – second place2016 United StatesTeam
Bronze medal – third place1919 BrazilTeam
Bronze medal – third place1956 UruguayTeam
Bronze medal – third place1963 BoliviaTeam
Bronze medal – third place1989 BrazilTeam
Bronze medal – third place2019 BrazilTeam
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Gold medal – first place1993 ArgentinaTeam
Gold medal – first place2022 EnglandTeam

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.[10][11] 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.[12]

History

The first ever match Argentina played was against Uruguay on 20 June 1902.[note 1] The game, which was the first international for both sides, was held in Montevideo, and Argentina won 6–0.[3][6] During the first years of its existence, Argentina only played friendly matches against other South American teams. The reasons for this varied, including long travel times between countries and the interruption due to World War I.[14]

La Albiceleste has appeared in World Cup finals six times, including the first ever final on 30 July 1930, which they lost 4–2 to Uruguay. Argentina won their next final on 25 June 1978, beating the Netherlands 3–1. Eight years later, in 1986, Argentina led by Diego Maradona won their second title with a 3–2 victory over West Germany. Under the guidance of Maradona, they reached the final again, in 1990, but ultimately lost 1–0 to West Germany, by a much-disputed penalty. Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina reached the final in 2014, where they were beaten 1–0 by Germany in extra time. In 2022, again under the captaincy of Messi, Argentina won their third World Cup, beating France 4–2 on penalties, following a 3–3 draw after extra time.[15] The team's World Cup–winning managers are César Luis Menotti in 1978, Carlos Bilardo in 1986 and Lionel Scaloni in 2022.

Argentina has also been very successful in the South American Football Championship, the Copa América, winning it 15 times, a record it shares with Uruguay; they were crowned champions most recently in 2021. The team also won the inaugural FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992 and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions in 1993 and 2022.

In March 2007, Argentina reached the top of the FIFA Men's World Ranking for the first time.[16]

Home stadium

Estadio Monumental, a frequent venue for Argentina

Argentina plays most of its home matches at River Plate's stadium, Estadio Monumental, in Buenos Aires,[17][18] although the team also uses various other venues frequently, such as Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades[19][20] and Boca Juniors' stadium, La Bombonera.[20] Those venues, along with Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes and Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario,[21] were used for the 2022 World Cup qualification.[22] Additionally, Argentina played some matches at Rosario Central's stadium, Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, during their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.[23][24][25]

GEBA Stadium was the first stadium Argentina used for its home matches; that includes the Copa Newton match against Uruguay held on 13 September 1908,[26] which has a historic significance for being the first time Argentina wore the light blue and white-striped jersey in an official game, which has since then been the defining uniform up to the present day.[27] GEBA was also used for the Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo, the first competition held between South American national teams, considered the predecessor of Copa América, organised by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in 1910. Most recently, Argentina played at GEBA on 19 October 1919, winning the Copa Premier Honor Argentino after a 6–1 victory over Uruguay.[28]

Furthermore, Estadio Sportivo Barracas is also considered a memorable venue for Argentina; the stadium was commonly used by Argentina from 1920 to 1932. Playing at the stadium for La Albiceleste on 2 October 1924, forward Cesáreo Onzari scored directly from a corner kick, the first such incident in football, when Argentina beat Uruguay 2–1; such goals are now often referred as Olympic goals due to the fact that Uruguay had just won the 1924 Olympic title.[29][30][31] Sportivo Barracas was later demolished after 1936.[32]

Team image

Kit

The classic light blue and white-striped jersey first worn on 2 July 1908 in a friendly match at São Paulo.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Argentina national football team kits.

The first kit ever worn by Argentina, in their official debut against Uruguay in 1902, included a light blue shirt.[33][34] On 2 July 1908, Argentina debuted a shirt with light blue vertical stripes on a white jersey, which they used when they played a side formed of Campeonato Paulista players at Velódromo Paulistano;[35] they used the jersey in an official game against Uruguay on 13 September 1908, and the striped jersey has remained as the definitive kit for Argentina ever since then.[27] The team's away kits have been in dark blue shades, with the colours of shorts and socks varying from time to time.[36]

Argentina has also sported other kits; on 3 June 1919 in Rio de Janeiro, playing against Brazil, Argentina wore a light blue kit, similar to that of Uruguay, out of respect for Roberto Chery, a substitute goalkeeper for Uruguay, who had collapsed and died during a match against Chile at the 1919 South American Championship;[37][38] the game between Argentina and Brazil was organised by the Brazilian Football Confederation for the benefit of Chery's relatives. At the 1958 World Cup, Argentina wore the yellow jersey of Swedish club IFK Malmö against West Germany, as the team had arrived in Sweden without an away kit.

Blue has always been the usual away color. In the image, Diego Maradona celebrating his goal of the century v England in 1986.

At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the then manager, Carlos Bilardo, asked the team's kit supplier, Le Coq Sportif, for lighter blue shirts for their quarter-final against England in three days, but they could not be provided. Then, a member of the coaching staff scoured the shops of Mexico City for 38 plain shirts, which were transformed with an improvised version of the AFA emblem embroidered on the shirts[39] and silvery American football numbers ironed to the backs.[40]

Sporting the makeshift jerseys, Argentina beat England on 22 June, with Diego Maradona scoring his famous "Hand of God goal".[41][42] Afterwards, the shirt became a symbol of the occasion and an important collector's item.[43]

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Argentina debuted a black away kit;[44] and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, they wore a purple away kit in a competitive game for the first time.[45][46]

Kit suppliers

Some of Argentina's historic jerseys exhibited in 2022
Kit supplierPeriodRef.
St. Margaret1901–1924[47]
Gath & Chaves1925–1934[47][48]
(no data for the 1935–1957 period)
Industria Lanús1958–1963[49][47]
Noceto Sports1964–1965[50][51][47]
Sportlandia1966[52][47]
Industria Lanús1967–1974[52][47]
Adidas1974–1979[48][53]
Le Coq Sportif1980–1989[48][54]
Adidas1990–1998[53][55]
Reebok1999–2001[56]
Adidas2001–present[53]

Crest

The AFA emblem that was added to playing kits in 1976

Argentina has used the logo of the Argentine Football Association as its emblem since it was first worn at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden; the logo was added to the team's jackets, but not the shirts.[39] The emblem was not used on jerseys until 16 November 1976, when Argentina played the Soviet Union at Estadio Monumental. At the beginning, the crest used did not include a laurel wreath,[57] which was first added for the 1982 World Cup.[39]

As a respected and common practice,[58] two stars were added above the crest in 2004, symbolising Argentina's World Cup titles in 1978 and 1986.[57] In 2022, a third star was added after Argentina were crowned world champions for the third time.[59]

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2023

v  Australia
15 June Friendly Argentina  2–0  Australia Beijing, China
20:00 (UTC+8)
ReportStadium: Workers' Stadium
Attendance: 68,000
Referee: Ma Ning (China)
v  Argentina
19 June Friendly Indonesia  0–2  Argentina Jakarta, Indonesia
19:30 (UTC+7)Report
Stadium: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
Attendance: 56,060
Referee: Muhammad Usaid bin Jamal (Malaysia)
v  Ecuador
7 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Argentina  1–0  Ecuador Buenos Aires, Argentina
21:00 ART (UTC−3)
ReportStadium: Más Monumental
Attendance: 84,500[60]
Referee: Wilmar Roldán (Colombia)
v  Argentina
12 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Bolivia  0–3  Argentina La Paz, Bolivia
16:00 BOT (UTC−4)Report
Stadium: Estadio Hernando Siles
Attendance: 24,000
Referee: Esteban Ostojich (Uruguay)
v  Paraguay
12 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Argentina  1–0  Paraguay Buenos Aires, Argentina
21:00 ART (UTC−3)
ReportStadium: Más Monumental
Attendance: 80,000
Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)
v  Argentina
17 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Peru  0–2  Argentina Lima, Peru
21:00 PET (UTC−5)Report
Stadium: Estadio Nacional
Attendance: 37,675
Referee: Jesús Valenzuela (Venezuela)
v  Uruguay
16 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Argentina  0–2  Uruguay Buenos Aires, Argentina
21:00 ART (UTC−3)Report
Stadium: La Bombonera
Attendance: 51,900
Referee: Wilmar Roldán (Colombia)
v  Argentina
21 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Brazil  0–1  Argentina Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
21:30 BRA (UTC−3)Report
Stadium: Maracanã
Attendance: 68,138
Referee: Piero Maza (Chile)

2024

v  El Salvador
22 March Friendly Argentina  3–0  El Salvador Philadelphia, United States
20:00 EDT (UTC−4)
ReportStadium: Lincoln Financial Field
Referee: Victor Rivas (United States)
v  Costa Rica
26 March Friendly Argentina  3–1  Costa Rica Los Angeles, United States
19:50 PDT (UTC−7)
Report
Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Referee: Josef Mickelson (United States)[61]
v  Ecuador
9 June Friendly Argentina  v  Ecuador Chicago, United States
CDT (UTC−5)Stadium: Soldier Field
v  Argentina
14 June Friendly Guatemala  v  Argentina Landover, United States
EDT (UTC−4)Stadium: Commanders Field
v  Canada
20 June 2024 Copa América Argentina  v  Canada Atlanta, United States
22:00 USA (UTC−4)Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
v  Argentina
25 June 2024 Copa América Chile  v  Argentina East Rutherford, United States
23:00 USA (UTC−4)Stadium: MetLife Stadium
v  Peru
29 June 2024 Copa América Argentina  v  Peru Miami Gardens, United States
21:00 USA (UTC−4)Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
v  Chile
5 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Argentina  v  Chile Argentina
--:-- ARG (UTC−3)
v  Argentina
10 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Colombia  v  Argentina Barranquilla, Colombia
--:-- COL (UTC−5)Stadium: Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez
v  Argentina
10 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Venezuela  v  Argentina Venezuela
--:-- VEN (UTC−4)
v  Bolivia
15 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Argentina  v  Bolivia Argentina
--:-- ARG (UTC−3)
v  Argentina
14 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  v  Argentina Asunción, Paraguay
--:-- PAR (UTC−4)Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
v  Peru
19 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Argentina  v  Peru Argentina
--:-- ARG (UTC−3)

Coaching staff

PositionName
Manager Lionel Scaloni
Assistant manager Pablo Aimar
Roberto Ayala
Assistant coach Walter Samuel
Assistant coach (analyst) Matías Manna
Goalkeeping coach Martín Tocalli
Fitness coach Luis Martín

Manager history

Players

Current squad

The following 26 players were named in the squad for the US March Tour matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica on 22 and 26 March 2024, respectively.[67] On 5 March, Marcos Senesi was withdrawn from the squad due to an injury in the right hamstring and was replaced by Nicolás Valentini.[68] On 12 March, Lisandro Martínez was added to the squad.[69] On 16 March, both Paulo Dybala and Lionel Messi were withdrawn from the squad due to an injury in the right adductor and an injury in the right hamstring respectively.[70] On 18 March, Exequiel Palacios was withdrawn from the squad due to a muscular injury and was replaced by Guido Rodríguez.[71]

Caps and goals are correct as of 26 March 2024, after the match against Costa Rica.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11GKFranco Armani (1986-10-16) 16 October 1986 (age 37)190 River Plate
121GKWalter Benítez (1993-01-19) 19 January 1993 (age 31)10 PSV Eindhoven
231GKEmiliano Martínez (1992-09-02) 2 September 1992 (age 31)370 Aston Villa
22DFNehuén Pérez (2000-06-24) 24 June 2000 (age 23)20 Udinese
32DFNicolás Tagliafico (1992-08-31) 31 August 1992 (age 31)571 Lyon
42DFNahuel Molina (1998-04-06) 6 April 1998 (age 26)371 Atlético Madrid
62DFGermán Pezzella (1991-06-27) 27 June 1991 (age 32)403 Real Betis
132DFCristian Romero (1998-04-27) 27 April 1998 (age 25)303 Tottenham Hotspur
192DFNicolás Otamendi (1988-02-12) 12 February 1988 (age 36)1116 Benfica
252DFNicolás Valentini (2001-04-06) 6 April 2001 (age 23)00 Boca Juniors
262DFValentín Barco (2004-07-23) 23 July 2004 (age 19)10 Brighton & Hove Albion
53MFLeandro Paredes (1994-06-29) 29 June 1994 (age 29)605 Roma
73MFRodrigo De Paul (1994-05-24) 24 May 1994 (age 29)622 Atlético Madrid
83MFEnzo Fernández (2001-01-17) 17 January 2001 (age 23)214 Chelsea
143MFFacundo Buonanotte (2004-12-23) 23 December 2004 (age 19)20 Brighton & Hove Albion
163MFGiovani Lo Celso (1996-04-09) 9 April 1996 (age 28)503 Tottenham Hotspur
183MFGuido Rodríguez (1994-04-12) 12 April 1994 (age 30)291 Real Betis
203MFAlexis Mac Allister (1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 25)252 Liverpool
243MFValentín Carboni (2005-03-05) 5 March 2005 (age 19)10 Monza
94FWJulián Álvarez (2000-01-31) 31 January 2000 (age 24)297 Manchester City
114FWÁngel Di María (vice-captain) (1988-02-14) 14 February 1988 (age 36)13830 Benfica
154FWNicolás González (1998-04-06) 6 April 1998 (age 26)325 Fiorentina
174FWAlejandro Garnacho (2004-07-01) 1 July 2004 (age 19)50 Manchester United
224FWLautaro Martínez (1997-08-22) 22 August 1997 (age 26)5622 Inter Milan

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up for the team in the last twelve months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GKJuan Musso (1994-05-06) 6 May 1994 (age 29)20 Atalantav.  Brazil, 21 November 2023
GKGerónimo Rulli (1992-05-20) 20 May 1992 (age 31)40 Ajaxv.  Indonesia, 19 June 2023
DFLisandro Martínez (1998-01-18) 18 January 1998 (age 26)160 Manchester Unitedv.  El Salvador, 22 March 2024 INJ
DFMarcos Senesi (1997-05-10) 10 May 1997 (age 26)10 Bournemouthv.  El Salvador, 22 March 2024 INJ
DFMarcos Acuña (1991-10-28) 28 October 1991 (age 32)560 Sevillav.  Brazil, 21 November 2023
DFGonzalo Montiel (1997-01-01) 1 January 1997 (age 27)241 Nottingham Forestv.  Brazil, 21 November 2023
DFLucas Martínez Quarta (1996-05-10) 10 May 1996 (age 27)120 Fiorentinav.  Brazil, 21 November 2023
DFPablo Maffeo (1997-07-12) 12 July 1997 (age 26)00 Mallorcav.  Brazil, 21 November 2023
DFFrancisco Ortega (1999-03-19) 19 March 1999 (age 25)00 Olympiacosv.  Brazil, 21 November 2023
DFFacundo Medina (1999-05-28) 28 May 1999 (age 24)30 Lensv.  Peru, 17 October 2023
DFJuan Foyth (1998-01-12) 12 January 1998 (age 26)180 Villarrealv.  Paraguay, 12 October 2023 INJ
DFMarco Pellegrino (2002-07-18) 18 July 2002 (age 21)00 Milanv.  Paraguay, 12 October 2023 at U23
DFLucas Esquivel (2001-10-14) 14 October 2001 (age 22)00 Athletico Paranaensev.  Paraguay, 12 October 2023 at U23
DFLeonardo Balerdi (1999-01-26) 26 January 1999 (age 25)20 Marseillev.  Indonesia, 19 June 2023
MFExequiel Palacios (1998-10-05) 5 October 1998 (age 25)280 Bayer Leverkusenv.  El Salvador, 22 March 2024 INJ
MFThiago Almada (2001-04-26) 26 April 2001 (age 23)41 Atlanta Unitedv.  Paraguay, 12 October 2023 at U23
MFCarlos Alcaraz (2002-11-30) 30 November 2002 (age 21)00 Juventusv.  Paraguay, 12 October 2023 at U23
MFFacundo Farías (2002-08-28) 28 August 2002 (age 21)00 Inter Miamiv.  Paraguay, 12 October 2023 at U23
MFBruno Zapelli (2002-05-17) 17 May 2002 (age 21)00 Athletico Paranaensev.  Paraguay, 12 October 2023 at U23
FWLionel Messi (1987-06-24) 24 June 1987 (age 36)180106 Inter Miamiv.  El Salvador, 22 March 2024 INJ
FWPaulo Dybala (1993-11-15) 15 November 1993 (age 30)383 Romav.  El Salvador, 22 March 2024 INJ
FWLucas Ocampos (1994-07-11) 11 July 1994 (age 29)122 Sevillav.  Brazil, 21 November 2023
FWLucas Beltrán (2001-03-29) 29 March 2001 (age 23)00 Fiorentinav.  Peru, 17 October 2023
FWÁngel Correa (1995-03-09) 9 March 1995 (age 29)243 Atlético Madridv.  Bolivia, 12 September 2023
FWAlan Velasco (2002-07-27) 27 July 2002 (age 21)00 FC Dallasv.  Ecuador, 7 September 2023 at U23
FWGiovanni Simeone (1995-07-05) 5 July 1995 (age 28)61 Napoliv.  Indonesia, 19 June 2023

COV Withdrew from the squad due to quarantine or infection by COVID-19
INJ Withdrew due to injury
PRE Preliminary squad
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Suspended
U23 Selected at the Argentina national under-23 football team

Individual records and achievements

As of 22 March 2024.[72]
Players in bold are still active with Argentina.

Most-capped players

Lionel Messi is Argentina's most-capped player ever and also its all-time top scorer.
RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1Lionel Messi1801062005–present
2Javier Mascherano14732003–2018
3Javier Zanetti14551994–2011
4Ángel Di María138302008–present
5Roberto Ayala11571994–2007
6Nicolás Otamendi11162009–present
7Diego Simeone104111988–2002
8Sergio Agüero101412006–2021
9Oscar Ruggeri9771983–1994
10Sergio Romero9602009–2018

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1Lionel Messi (list)1061800.592005–present
2Gabriel Batistuta (list)56780.721991–2002
3Sergio Agüero411010.412006–2021
4Hernán Crespo35640.551995–2007
5Diego Maradona (list)34910.371977–1994
6Gonzalo Higuaín31750.412009–2018
7Ángel Di María301380.212008–present
8Luis Artime24250.961961–1967
9Leopoldo Luque22450.491975–1981
Daniel Passarella22700.311976–1986
Lautaro Martínez22560.392018–present

World Cup-winning captains

World Cup winning captains of Argentina
Daniel Passarella in 1978
Diego Maradona in 1986
Lionel Messi in 2022
YearPlayerCapsGoals
1978Daniel Passarella7022
1986Diego Maradona9134
2022Lionel Messi180106

Caps

Goals

Manager records

World Cup awards and achievements

World Cup Golden Ball

The World Cup Golden Ball has been given by FIFA to the best player at the World Cup since 1982; Argentina players have won it thrice; Maradona in 1986 and Messi in 2014 and 2022.[85]

World Cup top goalscorer

Guillermo Stábile in 1930 and Mario Kempes in 1978 were both the top-scoring players at their respective World Cups.[86]

World Cup Golden Glove

The best goalkeeper at the World Cup is awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove. In 2022 this award was won by Emiliano Martínez.[87]

World Cup Young Player Award

The best player at the World Cup who is no older than 21 during the calendar year of the tournament is awarded the FIFA World Cup Young Player Award. In 2022 this award was won by Enzo Fernández.[87]

Competitive record

  Champions    Runners-up    Third place     Tournament played fully or partially on home soil  

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup recordQualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGASquadPldWDLGFGA
1930Runners-up2nd5401189SquadQualified as invitees
1934Round of 169th100123SquadQualified automatically
1938WithdrewWithdrew
1950
1954
1958Group stage13th3102510Squad4301102
1962Group stage10th311123Squad2200113
1966Quarter-finals5th421142Squad431092
1970Did not qualify411246
1974Second group stage8th6123912Squad431092
1978Champions1st7511154SquadQualified as hosts
1982Second group stage11th520387SquadQualified as defending champions
1986Champions1st7610145Squad6411126
1990Runners-up2nd723254SquadQualified as defending champions
1994Round of 1610th420286Squad8422910
1998Quarter-finals6th5311104Squad168622313
2002Group stage18th311122Squad1813414215
2006Quarter-finals6th5320113Squad1810442917
2010Quarter-finals5th5401106Squad188462320
2014Runners-up2nd751184Squad169523515
2018Round of 1616th411269Squad187741916
2022Champions1st7421158Squad171160278
2026Qualification in progress540172
2030Qualified as commemorative match hostsQualified as commemorative match hosts
2034To be determinedTo be determined
Total3 Titles18/2288471724152101—158904226269137
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Copa América

South American Championship / Copa América record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGASquad
1916Runners-up2nd312072Squad
1917Runners-up2nd320153Squad
1919Third place3rd310277Squad
1920Runners-up2nd312042Squad
1921Champions1st330050Squad
1922Fourth place4th420263Squad
1923Runners-up2nd320166Squad
1924Runners-up2nd312020Squad
1925Champions1st4310114Squad
1926Runners-up2nd4211143Squad
1927Champions1st3300154Squad
1929Champions1st330091Squad
1935Runners-up2nd320185Squad
1937Champions1st6501145Squad
1939Withdrew
1941Champions1st4400102Squad
1942Runners-up2nd6411216Squad
1945Champions1st6510225Squad
1946Champions1st5500173Squad
1947Champions1st7610284Squad
1949Withdrew
1953
1955Champions1st5410186Squad
1956Third place3rd530253Squad
1957Champions1st6501256Squad
1959Champions1st6510195Squad
1959Runners-up2nd421199Squad
1963Third place3rd63121510Squad
1967Runners-up2nd5401123Squad
1975Group stage5th4202174Squad
1979Group stage8th411276Squad
1983Group stage6th413054Squad
1987Fourth place4th411254Squad
1989Third place3rd723224Squad
1991Champions1st7610166Squad
1993Champions1st624064Squad
1995Quarter-finals5th421186Squad
1997Quarter-finals6th412143Squad
1999Quarter-finals8th420266Squad
2001Withdrew
2004Runners-up2nd6411166Squad
2007Runners-up2nd6501166Squad
2011Quarter-finals7th413052Squad
2015Runners-up2nd6330103Squad
2016Runners-up2nd6510182Squad
2019Third place3rd631276Squad
2021Champions1st7520123Squad
2024Qualified
Total15 Titles43/472021274233474182—

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGASquad
1992Champions1st220071Squad
1995Runners-up2nd311153Squad
1997Did not qualify
1999
2001
2003
2005Runners-up2nd52211010Squad
2009Did not qualify
2013
2017
Total1 Title3/10105322214—

CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions

CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
1985Did not qualify
1993Champions1st101011
2022Champions1st110030
Total2 Titles2/3211041
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Olympic team

Head-to-head record

Below is a result summary of all matches Argentina has played against FIFA recognised teams.[88]

As of 26 March 2024

  Positive record  Neutral record  Negative record

Rivalries

Brazil

Argentina and Brazil have a fierce rivalry which is one of the oldest in South America.[89] Games between the two teams, even those that are only friendly matches, are often marked by notable and controversial incidents. The rivalry has also been referred to as the "Battle of the Americas." FIFA has described it as the "essence of football rivalry".[90] According to CNN, Argentina-Brazil rivalry ranked second on their top 10 list of international football rivalries—only below the ancient England–Scotland football rivalry.[91]

The rivalry has extended to comparisons between Pelé and Diego Maradona.[92][93] Some of their countrymen also feature regularly in such debates. The next most notable pair are perhaps Garrincha (Brazilian)[94] and Alfredo Di Stéfano (Argentine).[95] The most dominant figures from the two countries in the modern game are Neymar (Brazilian) and Lionel Messi (Argentine). Both Pelé and Maradona have declared Neymar and Messi their respective "successors".[96][97]

England

With a rivalry stemming from the 1966 World Cup and intensified by the Falklands War of 1982, Argentina and England have had numerous confrontations in World Cup tournaments. Among them was the quarter-final match in 1986, where Diego Maradona scored two goals against England. The first was a handball, but was ruled legal by the referee. The second, scored minutes later, saw Maradona passing five England outfield players before scoring, and is often described as one of, if not the greatest goal in football history.

The nations were paired together in the Round of 16 at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, won by Argentina on penalties, and again at the group stage in 2002, England winning 1–0 through a penalty by David Beckham who had been sent off in the tie four years earlier.

Germany

Diego Maradona and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge prior to the 1986 World Cup final between Argentina and West Germany

Argentina has played Germany in seven FIFA World Cup matches including three FIFA World Cup finals: In 1986 Argentina won 3–2, but in 1990 it was the Germans who were the victors by a 1–0 scoreline.

In 1958 they met for the first time in the group stage, where Argentina suffered a 1–3 loss to defending champions West Germany.[98] In 1966 both again faced each other in the group stage which ended in a scoreless draw.[99] In 2006, they met in the quarter-finals; Argentina lost on penalties after a 1–1 draw, which was followed by a brawl on the pitch involving several players.[100][101] They met again at the same stage in 2010, this time ending with a 4–0 victory for Germany. They played each other for the third consecutive World Cup in the Brazil 2014 event's final, where Argentina was defeated in extra time by a score of 1–0.

Uruguay

Argentina has a long-standing rivalry with its neighbour, that came into existence from the early South American Championships, the 1928 Summer Olympics and the first World Cup final, held in 1930.

Argentina and Uruguay hold the record for most international matches played between two countries.[3] The two teams have faced each other 197 times since 1902. The first match between Argentina and Uruguay was also the first official international match to be played outside the United Kingdom.[note 4]

Mexico

Argentina has a minor rivalry with Mexico, which developed in the 1990s. The rivalry is considered one-sided as a number of Argentines do not consider Mexico as rivals. Although the first official match between both nations came in the 1930 FIFA World Cup where Argentina beat Mexico 6–3 on group stage, the rivalry emerged during the late twentieth century, especially after the 1993 Copa América Final, where Argentina beat Mexico 2–1.[103][104][105] That was the first time a non-CONMEBOL nation played in a Copa América final, and the first final played between both sides.[106]

The rivalry has continued in club competitions, where Argentine and Mexicans first met in 1968 Copa Interamericana. The rivalry between both nations at club level increased during the late 1990s, when Mexican clubs were invited to participate in Copa Libertadores, where they played memorable matches v Boca Juniors.[107]

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, some Mexican and Argentine fans had a fight in Doha prior to the match between both sides, among great animosity.[108] Both supporters fought again inside Lusail Stadium after the match that Argentina won 2–0, giving Argentina a chance to qualify and forcing Mexico to win against Saudi Arabia to qualify, which ended with Argentina and Poland qualifying and Mexico being eliminated alongside Saudi Arabia.[109]

This sense of rivalry is more keenly felt by Mexican supporters and media, since Argentines do not consider Mexico rivals like Brazil, Germany, Uruguay or England.

Nigeria

A recurrent rivalry developed from the 1990s between Argentina and Nigeria, based not on geographical proximity, long-term battles for honours or factors outside football, but due to the frequency of significant matches between them.[110][111][112][113][114][115] This has included five World Cup group games, all won by Argentina by a single goal margin: 2–1 in 1994, 1–0 in 2002, 1–0 in 2010, 3–2 in 2014 and 2–1 in 2018. The fixture is the most common in the competition's history involving an African nation,[116] and has occurred in five of the six tournaments for which Nigeria has qualified. The sides also met in the 1995 King Fahd Cup (the predecessor to the Confederations Cup) as champions of their respective continents, drawing 0–0.

Below full international level, their Olympic teams also faced off in the gold medal match in 1996 (3–2 to Nigeria), and 2008 (1–0 to Argentina). The final of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship was also played between them; both Argentina goals in their 2–1 win were scored by Lionel Messi, who would go on to find the net for the senior team in the 2014[117] and 2018[118] World Cup fixtures.

The sense of rivalry is more keenly felt on the Nigerian side, as Argentina has won almost all of their encounters, so they do not consider Nigeria a rival like Brazil, England, Uruguay or Germany, in contrast to the West Africans who remain keen to finally overcome a more illustrious foe.[111]

Netherlands

Considered by sports media to be two historically great teams,[119] the Argentines and Dutch have developed an intense rivalry. They have met ten times in total, including six times during the FIFA World Cup tournament.[120][121][122]

The two teams first met on 26 May 1974 in an international friendly, won by the Netherlands 4–1. Their most high-profile matchup occurred in the 1978 FIFA World Cup final which was won by Argentina.[123] One of the most recent and intense meetings happened in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a 2–2 draw where Argentina advanced on penalties, in what is known as the Battle of Lusail.[124][125]

Honours

Senior team

Friendly

Awards

Chronology of titles

Host nationTournamentYearNo.
ArgentinaCopa América19211st
19252nd
Peru19273rd
Argentina19294th
19375th
Chile19416th
19457th
Argentina19468th
Ecuador19479th
Chile195510th
Peru195711th
Argentina195912th
Costa RicaPanamerican Championship196013th
ArgentinaWorld Cup197814th
Mexico198615th
ChileCopa América199116th
Saudi ArabiaConfederations Cup199217th
ArgentinaCONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions199318th
EcuadorCopa América199319th
Brazil202120th
EnglandCONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions202221st
QatarWorld Cup202222nd

Summary

Senior competition Total
World Cup3306
Olympics Games2103
Confederations Cup1203
Copa América1514534
Panamerican Championship1102
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions2002
Total2421550

See also

Notes and references

Notes

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Argentina national association football team.
Retrieved from "https:https://www.search.com.vn/wiki/index.php?lang=en&q=Argentina_national_football_team&oldid=1220886375"
🔥 Top keywords: Main PageSpecial:SearchIndian Premier LeagueWikipedia:Featured picturesPornhubUEFA Champions League2024 Indian Premier LeagueFallout (American TV series)Jontay PorterXXXTentacionAmar Singh ChamkilaFallout (series)Cloud seedingReal Madrid CFCleopatraRama NavamiRichard GaddDeaths in 2024Civil War (film)Shōgun (2024 miniseries)2024 Indian general electionJennifer PanO. J. SimpsonElla PurnellBaby ReindeerCaitlin ClarkLaverne CoxXXX (film series)Facebook2023–24 UEFA Champions LeagueYouTubeCandidates Tournament 2024InstagramList of European Cup and UEFA Champions League finalsJude BellinghamMichael Porter Jr.Andriy LuninCarlo AncelottiBade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024 film)