The defending World Cup champions arrive in North America with a squad largely intact from the Qatar triumph. Scaloni has made few changes to a group that went unbeaten for a record stretch, won the Copa América, and delivered Argentina their third World Cup title.
The question hanging over the squad — over the entire tournament — is Messi. Now 38 and playing in MLS, his physical condition will be monitored obsessively. Whether this is his farewell World Cup or not, Argentina without him is a different team entirely.
Key Player: Lionel Messi
The greatest footballer who has ever lived. His Qatar 2022 campaign — best player, goals in every knockout round, penalty in the final — was the culmination of a career defined by excellence. At 38, Messi's pace has gone but his spatial intelligence, his passing, his free kicks, and his ice-cold nerve are untouched. If he's fit, Argentina will be in the final.
Tactical Setup
Scaloni's 4-3-3 builds around Messi's freedom to roam. De Paul runs until he drops in midfield; Álvarez presses relentlessly as the forward reference; the two wing-backs push high to create width. Dibu Martínez is the world's best penalty goalkeeper — a known factor that haunts opponents.
Tournament History
Eighteen appearances. Three World Cup titles. Argentina are the tournament's defending champions and one of the two or three sides that every other nation fears most.