Argentina at the World Cup
Argentina were one of the 13 teams in the inaugural World Cup in 1930. At that tournament, Argentina eventually reached the final, losing 2-4 to Uruguay. Between 1929 and 1959, the Argentinian team won the Copa America 12 times, but FIFA World Cup success still eluded them. The breakthrough for the Albiceleste came in 1978 when they won the World Cup for the first time on home soil. Mario Kempes scored twice in a memorable final against Holland.
Argentina repeated the feat in 1986 thanks to the genius of Diego Maradona. They reached the final again in 1990, only to see an Andi Brehme penalty seal victory for Germany. In 2014 they were beaten in the final again by Germany, 1-0 in extra time.
The football powerhouse nearly did not make it to the 2018 World Cup, needing a Messi hat-trick to come from behind to beat Ecuador in a final qualifier.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi became the first player to score in four World Cups for Argentina (2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022). This record surpassed fellow Argentinians Diego Maradona (1982, 1986 and 1994) and Gabriel Batistuta (1994, 1998 and 2002) who both scored in three editions of the tournament.
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, the country's third title.
Trivia
- Thousands of Argentinian supporters failed to attend the 1930 Final as their boats were delayed due to thick fog. Eight of the ten chartered boats were unable to arrive in time for the Final, though fortunately the match referee was on the first boat that arrived.
- An unexpected consequence of Argentina's defeat in the 1930 Final was that the Argentinian president was overthrown several days after the Final. Argentinian president Irigoyen was overthrown in a military coup flamed by the deeply disappointed citizens.
- Peruvian goalkeeper Ramon Quiroga was accused of deliberately conceding some goals in their 6-0 loss to Argentina in a Second Round group match on 21 June 1978. He was born in Argentina. Argentina had to beat Peru by a margin of at least 4 goals to reach the 1978 Final. The Peruvian people could believe that their admirable goalkeeper Quiroga would let in six goals in a match. When Quiroga came back home, he published a full letter in the newspapers pleading his innocence and explaining the reasons for Peru's humiliating defeat.
- Argentina's Gabriel Batistuta scored two unique hat-tricks in 1994 and in 1998. Both were achieved on 21 June of the year, against World Cup finals debutants (Greece and Jamaica), and each time the third goal was a penalty.
Related Pages
- About the women's team from Argentina at the FIFA Women's World Cup
- List of all countries who have participated in the World Cup
- FIFA World Cup Home
- Sport in Argentina
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Upcoming Events