It’s been 36 years since Argentina has won the World Cup, yet the memories of that glorious triumph in Mexico still linger among people’s hearts. Diego Maradona weaving past defenses, the famous hand of god moment against England still resembles among Argentinian people and also amongst the people of football. But ever since that day Argentinian football has faced lots of misses and heartbreaks and crushed hopes. Despite talented squads and individual brilliance the World Cup has been far from reach. However amidst the longing for past glories there remains a belief that destiny will smile upon the Albiceleste once again. The journey from passion to glory is one full of challenges, but it is a journey that Argentina is determined to undertake with ultimate commitment.
Road to Qatar 2022: Qualification Journey
After a heartbreaking 2018 World Cup, Argentina National Team hired a new footballing coach Lionel Scaloni even though he was hired as a temporary coach his success with the team led him to permanently grasp the job. Lionel Scaloni did a commendable job by implementing the youth players in the team. Scaloni also did something which the past coaches were failing to do build the team around and unlock Lionel Messi.
The Legend of Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi despite being the legend with FC Barcelona was suffering with the international team. He had won everything with his club but was unable to do so with Argentina which was a setback in classifying him as the greatest player meanwhile his arch nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo had led Portugal to Euros back in 2016, which led fans arguing Cristiano as a better player. Lionel Messi has been longing for an international trophy for a long time and he has been close quite a few times, 2014 World Cup finals, 2015, 2016 Copa America finals. Lionel Messi after missing a penalty kick in the finals even retired from international football. But after fans begging for his return Lionel Messi returned once again.
Trophy after 28 years: The Copa America (2021)
2021 was the year when Lionel Messi and Argentina finally won an international trophy, The Copa America. Lionel Scaloni had done what all the other coaches failed to do all these years. He built a team around Lionel Messi with players full of passion and who were willing to go to war for Messi and Argentina. The Copa America was a breakthrough moment for the Albiceleste, more so as the final was against their biggest rivals Brazil. The Argentinian team were in good form with 32 games unbeaten and one thing in mind: The World Cup.
Devastating Start: First match of World Cup (2022)
The stage was set, fireworks were lit Lionel Messi and Argentina were ready with hunger and ambition. First match against the underdogs Saudi Arabia, on paper Argentina should win this easily they were even classified as one of the the favorites as they were coming from a 32 game unbeaten streak. First half started with Argentina dominating, they even scored but the goal was called offside on numerous occasions. Referee blows the whistle on foul and awards Argentina a penalty, which Lionel Messi buries with ease, first half ends and Argentina leads. Saudi Arabian coach fuming in the dressing room and shouts at his players and motivates them which works immediately, Saudi Arabia scores twice at the starting of the second half and causes the biggest upset, Saudi Arabia beats Argentina ending the 32 game unbeaten streak. Now it was do or die for Argentina from here on.
It’s Now or Never: Knockout’s for Argentina
After an unexpected loss against Saudi Arabia everyone was getting flashbulbs of the previous failures. When Lionel Messi comes in the press and says “Trust in us and we will not fail you”. Next match against a good side of Mexico, Argentina lose this they are out of the World cup.
Match starts: Argentina struggles till the first half, Lionel Scaloni makes changes in the lineup and brings on the young guns Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez. Despite that the team relies on Lionel Messi's shoulder and he carries the team on his back and scores from outside the box and the crowd goes wild. This was the moment that shaped Argentina’s 2022 World Cup. Argentina defeats Mexico and waves past the next opponents Poland as well. Then came Australia in the knockout stages and as usual Lionel Messi does what he does best opens the scoring for Argentina and the young gun who has earned Lionel Scaloni’s trust Julian Alvarez scores the second and sends Argentina to the quarter finals.
Eye for the the ultimate prize: Quarterfinals and Semifinals Drama
Argentina has been on a smooth run after that dreadful first defeat, and step by step climbing to the ultimate glory but up comes their biggest test Netherlands. Netherlands and Argentina have a rich history which dates back to the 2014 World Cup where Argentina defeated Netherlands to reach the finals. This made the dutches come out publicly and say negative comments about Argentinians. So, there was tension between the two sides even before the match started. The match begins, and Lionel Messi does his trickery and pulls off a mesmerizing pass to Molina who scores and puts Argentina into the lead and in minute 78 Messi scores from the spot, it looked like it was over but Netherlands pulls off a sensational comeback to make it 2-2. Game reaches the penalties where Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez steals the show and sends Argentina to the semi’s.
Two more games, two more victories for the ultimate prize Argentina comes up against the mighty Croatians. The Albiceleste were out seeking revenge for the 3-0 defeat in the 2018 World Cup and who would have thought they will seek their revenge by scoring 3 against the Croatians and turn the tables around this time, Argentina ease past Croatia and stares into yet another World Cup Final.
The Endgame: Champions of the World
Argentina comes up against France in the finals of the World Cup 2022. The stadium was pumping and the world had taken a break for a few minutes to observe the ultimate game, Lionel Messi up against once his teammate Kylian Mbappe who has haunted Argentina out of the World Cup in 2018. It was the last chance for Lionel Messi to win the ultimate prize and craft his legacy. On a cold night in Doha, the match started surprisingly the match looked one sided as Argentina were all over the french and it didn’t take long for them to put one past as Di maria was fouled and Argentina were awarded a penalty which was of course scored by Lionel Messi. Few minutes later Di maria once again involved in action scores the second Argentina flying away it looked like this was it. Time was ticking and Argentina were getting closer and closer but to crush their hopes and dreams once again it was Kylian Mbappe who scored back to back to level the score. Game goes into extra time and once again it was Lionel Messi dragging the team scores once more but it wasn’t still over and Gonzalo Monteil stops a shot from Kylian Mbappe with his hand and awards France a penalty which is again buried by Mbappe. The ultimate game to be decided on penalties where Argentine goalkeeper shines and makes a double save and the final kick to crown Argentina as the world champions and to redeem himself Gonzalo Montilel steps up, and he scores and does the unthinkable, Argentina becomes the champions of the world. Lionel Messi finally crafts his stellar career with the ultimate prize and settles the debate with Diego Maradona. It was one of if not the best football match to ever occur and the raw emotion floods all over the stadium.
Argentina's World Cup journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and unwavering belief. From the heights of glory to the depths of despair, the Albiceleste have experienced it all. But through it all, one thing remains constant – the undying love for the beautiful game. As the world turns its gaze towards the next World Cup, Argentina stands ready to write the next chapter in their storied footballing history. From passion to glory, the journey continues.
Eid Mubarak
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