Here’s why the future of La Albiceleste looks bright as they begin qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In international men’s soccer, there are three teams hailing from South America ranked among the 10 best nations in the world.
Colombia comes in at No. 10, Brazil at No. 8, but sitting above all of them at No. 1 in the world is Argentina, a nation that has seen soccer success arrive at an unprecedented rate — led by the skills of one man, but bolstered by the talents of an entire team and the strategy of longtime coach, Lionel Scaloni.
In just the last two years, Argentina can lay claim to lifting the coveted Copa America trophy after a defeat of Colombia in Miami this past July coming off the heels of being crowned global champions after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
That appearance in the World Cup final was the nation’s sixth appearance in a final. Impressive when you consider Argentina is only a country of roughly 45 million people. By comparison, the United States houses roughly 346 million people, according to the latest U.S. Census data.
This recent run has cemented Argentina as one of the most successful nations in South America in history, but to look at it on an even more granular level, its club scene hosts one of the biggest rivalries in club soccer in the annual clash between River Plate and Boca Juniors.
Much of Argentina’s success as a soccer power has arrived by a number of different talents on the team that play for some of the biggest clubs in the world. But its notoriety falls on the back of one player: Lionel Messi.
For over three decades, Messi, 37, has been a global icon, winning just about every individual player trophy, and leading his nation to the pinnacle of major tournaments, winning the only one that eluded him for years — that World Cup crown in 2022.
As the captain of La Albiceleste, which stands for “The White and Sky Blue” Messi has made the most appearances for Argentina of any player (191) and has scored the most goals of any player (112) in the history of the Argentine national team, which began in 1902.
When you think of some of the major names that have worn the sky blue and whole vertical stripes of the Argentine national team — the biggest beyond Messi that comes to mind is legendary striker Diego Maradona — for Messi to end his international career without question as his nation’s greatest ever player — and arguably celebrity — it’s been a gift that Messi has graced the world soccer stage since he first made his presence known to the world as a dynamic 19-year-old with legendary Spanish club, Barcelona.
Diego Simeone, an Argentine legend in his own right once said in regards to the Messi vs. Maradona debate that “Diego filled us with emotions, but between the cracks, without doubt, Messi is better than Maradona.”
Next year is a massive one for Argentina, who will begin its defense of its 2022 World Cup against a bevy of CONMEBOL teams eager to upset the champions.
During three qualifications cycles in March, June and September, Argentina will face the likes of Uruguay and Brazil (March), Chile and Colombia (June), and wrap with Venezuela and Ecuador (September), looking to enter as a group favorite for the 2026 FIFA World Cup here in the States, in addition to games in Canada and Mexico.
For the first time, the nation might do so without its greatest ever player as Messi, who would be 39, still hasn’t officially announced his plans to retire from international play.
In March, Messi, who is under contract next season with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami franchise, said on the Big Time podcast that it all comes down to how good he feels.
“I know that as soon as I believe that I can no longer perform, or no longer enjoy the game or not be able to help my teammates, then I will stop,” he said. “For my retirement, it will not matter what age I am. If I feel good, I will keep playing.
Backed by a roster who all bring a unique skill set and a nation that reveres this team and its consummate leader in Leo Messi, for the current world No. 1, the future looks bright.
