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Argentina national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Argentina women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Argentina
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nicknames La Selección
(The Selection)
La Albiceleste 
(The White and Sky Blue)
La Scaloneta
(The Scaloneta)
Association Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA)
Confederation CONMEBOL (South America)
Head coach Lionel Scaloni
Captain Lionel Messi
Most caps Lionel Messi (206)
Top scorer Lionel Messi (125)
Home stadium Various
FIFA code ARG
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 11 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 1
Lowest 24 (August 1996)
First international
 Uruguay 0–6 Argentina 
(Montevideo, Uruguay; 20 July 1902)
Biggest win
 Argentina 12–0 Ecuador 
(Montevideo, Uruguay; 22 January 1942)
Biggest defeat
 Czechoslovakia 6–1 Argentina 
(Helsingborg, Sweden; 15 June 1958),
 Colombia 5–0 Argentina 
(Buenos Aires, Argentina; 5 September 1993)
 Bolivia 6–1 Argentina 
(La Paz, Bolivia; 1 April 2009)
 Spain 6–1 Argentina 
(Madrid, Spain; 27 March 2018)
World Cup
Appearances 19 (first in [[1930  FIFA World Cup|1930 ]])
Best result Champions (1978, 1986, 2022)
Copa América
Appearances 44 (first in 1916 )
Best result Champions (1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021, 2024)
Panamerican Championship
Appearances 2 (first in 1956 )
Best result Champions (1960)
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Appearances 3 (first in 1993 )
Best result Champions (1993, 2022)
Confederations Cup
Appearances 3 (first in 1992 )
Best result Champions (1992)
Medal record
FIFA World Cup
Gold medal – first place 1978 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1986 Mexico Team
Gold medal – first place 2022 Qatar Team
Silver medal – second place 1930 Uruguay Team
Silver medal – second place 1990 Italy Team
Silver medal – second place 2014 Brazil Team
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 1928 Amsterdam Team
FIFA Confederations Cup
Gold medal – first place 1992 Saudi Arabia Team
Silver medal – second place 1995 Saudi Arabia Team
Silver medal – second place 2005 Germany Team
Copa América
Gold medal – first place 1921 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1925 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1927 Peru Team
Gold medal – first place 1929 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1937 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1941 Chile Team
Gold medal – first place 1945 Chile Team
Gold medal – first place 1946 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1947 Ecuador Team
Gold medal – first place 1955 Chile Team
Gold medal – first place 1957 Peru Team
Gold medal – first place 1959 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1991 Chile Team
Gold medal – first place 1993 Ecuador Team
Gold medal – first place 2021 Brazil Team
Gold medal – first place 2024 United States Team
Silver medal – second place 1916 Argentina Team
Silver medal – second place 1917 Uruguay Team
Silver medal – second place 1920 Chile Team
Silver medal – second place 1923 Uruguay Team
Silver medal – second place 1924 Uruguay Team
Silver medal – second place 1926 Chile Team
Silver medal – second place 1935 Peru Team
Silver medal – second place 1942 Uruguay Team
Silver medal – second place 1959 Ecuador Team
Silver medal – second place 1967 Uruguay Team
Silver medal – second place 2004 Peru Team
Silver medal – second place 2007 Venezuela Team
Silver medal – second place 2015 Chile Team
Silver medal – second place 2016 United States Team
Bronze 1919 Brazil Team
Bronze 1956 Uruguay Team
Bronze 1963 Bolivia Team
Bronze 1989 Brazil Team
Bronze 2019 Brazil Team
Panamerican Championship
Gold medal – first place 1960 Costa Rica Team
Silver medal – second place 1956 Mexico Team
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Gold medal – first place 1993 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 2022 England Team

The Argentina national football team is a famous football team from Argentina. They are often called la Albiceleste, which means "the white and sky blue." This team plays for Argentina in international football matches. The Argentine Football Association manages the team. Argentina joined FIFA in 1912 and was a founding member of CONMEBOL in 1916.

Argentina is a very successful team. They are the current champions of the FIFA World Cup, winning it in 2022. They also won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986. The team has played in six World Cup finals, including the very first one in 1930.

The team has won the Copa América a record 16 times, most recently in 2024. They are the only country to win this tournament three times in a row (1945, 1946, and 1947). Argentina also won the Panamerican Championship in 1960, the first FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992, and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions twice (1993 and 2022). With 23 official titles, Argentina holds the record for most international titles.

Famous players like Diego Maradona (1986) and Lionel Messi (2014 and 2022) have won the Golden Ball award for best player. Lionel Messi has played the most games for the team (206) and scored the most goals (125). As of June 11, 2026, Argentina is ranked first in the world by FIFA. They have exciting rivalries with teams like Brazil, England, the Netherlands, and Uruguay.

The Exciting History of Argentina Football

Early Days and First Matches

Argentina played its very first match against Uruguay on June 20, 1902. This historic game took place in Montevideo. Argentina won with a score of 6–0. For many years, the team mostly played friendly games against other South American countries. Travel was difficult, and events like World War I made it hard to play teams from further away.

World Cup Triumphs

Argentina has reached the FIFA World Cup final six times. Their first final was in 1930, where they lost to Uruguay. The team won its first World Cup in 1978, beating the Netherlands 3–1.

In 1986, the legendary player Diego Maradona led Argentina to their second World Cup title. They won 3–2 against West Germany. Maradona also led them to the final in 1990, but they lost 1–0 to West Germany.

With Lionel Messi as captain, Argentina reached the final again in 2014. They were defeated 1–0 by Germany in extra time. Argentina won their third FIFA World Cup in 2022. They beat France in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 3–3 draw. The coaches who led Argentina to World Cup victories are César Luis Menotti (1978), Carlos Bilardo (1986), and Lionel Scaloni (2022).

Other Major Wins

Argentina has also won the Copa América 16 times. Their most recent victory was in 2024. The team also won the first-ever FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992. Additionally, they won the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions in 1993 and 2022. In March 2007, Argentina reached the number one spot in the FIFA Men's World Ranking for the first time.

Home Grounds: Where Argentina Plays

Main Stadiums

The Argentina national team plays most of its home games at Estadio Monumental. This stadium is located in Buenos Aires and is also home to Club Atlético River Plate. They also play at other stadiums, such as Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades and La Bombonera.

Historic Stadiums and Moments

The first stadium Argentina used for home matches was GEBA Stadium. In 1908, a match there against Uruguay saw the official debut of Argentina's famous white and light blue striped jersey. This jersey has been their main uniform ever since. GEBA Stadium also hosted the Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo in 1910. This was an early competition for South American national teams, similar to the Copa América.

Another important stadium was Estadio Sportivo Barracas, used from 1920 to 1932. In 1924, a player named Cesáreo Onzari scored a goal directly from a corner kick there. This was a very rare and exciting event. Because Uruguay had just won an Olympic gold medal, this type of goal became known as an Olimpico goal.

Team Look: Kits and Crest

The Famous Blue and White Kit

Argentina equipo v sudafrica 1906
The classic light blue and white-striped jersey first worn on July 9, 1906, in Buenos Aires

When Argentina first played in 1902, their kit was a light blue shirt. On July 9, 1906, they wore the light blue and white striped shirt for the first time. This happened during a match against South Africa. Since then, this albiceleste (white and sky blue) shirt has been Argentina's main uniform. Their away kits are usually dark blue, with different colors for shorts and socks over the years.

Sometimes, Argentina has worn special kits. In 1919, they wore a light blue kit similar to Uruguay's. This was to honor Roberto Chery, a Uruguayan goalkeeper who had sadly passed away. At the 1958 World Cup, Argentina even wore a yellow jersey. This happened because they arrived without their away kit and borrowed one from a Swedish club.

Maradona's Special Jersey

Maradona vs england
Diego Maradona, wearing Argentina's custom blue kit, celebrates his "Goal of the Century" against England in 1986

At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, something unique happened. For a quarter-final match against England, the team needed lighter blue shirts. The kit supplier could not provide them in time. So, a staff member found 38 plain shirts in a local shop. They quickly added an AFA emblem and numbers to the backs.

Wearing these special jerseys, Argentina beat England on June 22. Diego Maradona scored two famous goals in that game. One was called the "Hand of God goal" because he used his hand. The other was an amazing solo run, often called the "Goal of the Century". These shirts became very famous after that match.

Kit Suppliers and Team Crest

Argentina has had several kit suppliers over the years. Currently, Adidas provides their uniforms.

The team's crest is the logo of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). It first appeared on team jackets at the 1958 World Cup. The crest was added to the jerseys in 1976. In 1982, a laurel wreath was added to the design. After winning World Cups, stars are added above the crest. Two stars were added in 2004 for the 1978 and 1986 wins. A third star was added in 2022 after their latest World Cup victory.

Recent Matches and Results

Main article: Argentina national football team results (2020–present)

Here are some of Argentina's recent match results and upcoming games.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2025 Matches

4 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Argentina  3–0  Venezuela Buenos Aires, Argentina
20:30 ARG (UTC−3)
Stadium: Estadio Monumental
Attendance: 76,490
Referee: Piero Maza (Chile)
9 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Ecuador  1–0  Argentina Guayaquil, Ecuador
18:00 ECU (UTC−5)
Stadium: Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo
Referee: Wilmar Roldán (Colombia)
10 October Friendly Argentina  1–0  Venezuela Miami Gardens, Florida United States
20:00 EDT (UTC−4)
Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
Referee: Tori Penso (United States)
14 October Friendly Puerto Rico  0–6  Argentina Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
18:00 EDT (UTC−4)
  • Mac Allister Goal 14', 36'
  • Montiel Goal 23'
  • Echevarria Goal 64' (o.g.)
  • La. Martínez Goal 79', 84'
 Stadium: Chase Stadium
Referee: Armando Villarreal (United States)
14 November Friendly Angola  0–2  Argentina Luanda, Angola
17:00 WAT (UTC+1)
Stadium: Estádio 11 de Novembro
Referee: Hillary Hambaba (Zambia)

2026 Matches

27 March Friendly Argentina  2–1  Mauritania Buenos Aires, Argentina
20:15 ARG (UTC–3)
  • Fernández Goal 17'
  • Paz Goal 32'
  • Lefort Goal 90+4'
 Stadium: La Bombonera
Attendance: 45,760
Referee: Derlis López (Paraguay)
31 March Friendly Argentina  5–0  Zambia Buenos Aires, Argentina
20:30 ARG (UTC–3)
Stadium: La Bombonera
Attendance: 50,000
Referee: Alexis Herrera (Venezuela)
6 June Friendly Argentina  2–0  Honduras College Station, Texas, United States
19:00 CDT (UTC−5)
Stadium: Kyle Field
Attendance: 91,102
Referee: Victor Rivas (United States)
9 June Friendly Argentina  3–0  Iceland Auburn, Alabama, United States
19:30 CDT (UTC−5)
Stadium: Jordan–Hare Stadium
Attendance: 88,043
Referee: Rosendo Mendoza (United States)
16 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J Argentina  3–0  Algeria Kansas City, Missouri, United States
20:00 CDT (UTC−5)
  • Messi Goal 17' (60), 76'
 Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium
Attendance: 69,045
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
22 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J Argentina  2–0  Austria Arlington, Texas, United States
12:00 CDT (UTC−5)
Stadium: AT&T Stadium
Attendance: 70,649
Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt)
27 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J Jordan  1–3  Argentina Arlington, Texas, United States
21:00 CDT (UTC−5)
  • Al-Taamari Goal 55'
Stadium: AT&T Stadium
Attendance: 70,649
Referee: István Kovács (Romania)
3 July 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Argentina  3–2 (a.e.t.)  Cape Verde Miami Gardens, Florida, United States
18:00 EDT (UTC−4)
  • Messi Goal 29'
  • Li. Martínez Goal 92'
  • Diney Goal 111' (o.g.)
  • D. Duarte Goal 59'
  • S. Cabral Goal 103'
 Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
Attendance: 64,478
Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)
7 July 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Argentina  3–2  Egypt Atlanta, Georgia, United States
12:00 UTC−4
  • Romero Goal 79'
  • Messi Goal 83'
  • Fernández Goal 90+3'
  • Ibrahim Goal 15'
  • Ziko Goal 67'
 Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Attendance: 68,239
Referee: François Letexier (France)
11 July 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal Argentina  3–1 (a.e.t.)  Switzerland Kansas City, Missouri, United States
20:00 UTC−5
  • Ndoye Goal 67'
 Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium
Attendance: 69,045
Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal)
15 July 2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinal England  1–2  Argentina Atlanta, Georgia, United States
15:00 UTC−4
  • Gordon Goal 55'
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Attendance: 68,239
Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
19 July 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Spain  v  Argentina East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
15:00 UTC−4 Stadium: MetLife Stadium

Team Leaders: Coaching Staff

For a more comprehensive list, see List of Argentina national football team managers.
Lionel Scaloni 2022 vs Colombia
Current head coach Lionel Scaloni
Position Name
Head coach Argentina Lionel Scaloni
Assistant coach Argentina Pablo Aimar
Argentina Roberto Ayala
Argentina Walter Samuel
Goalkeeping coach Argentina Martín Tocalli
Fitness coach Argentina Luis Martín
Video analyst Argentina Matías Manna
Team coordinator Argentina Nicolás Russo
Academy manager Argentina Bernardo Romeo
Base camp coordinator Argentina Oscar Dertycia
Goalkeeping coordinator Argentina Mauro Dobler

Meet the Players: Current Squad

See also: List of Argentina international footballers

The following 26 players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Leonardo Balerdi had to leave due to a calf injury on June 6. He was replaced by Marcos Senesi. Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of July 15, 2026, after the match against England.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Juan Musso (1994-05-06) 6 May 1994 (age 32) 4 0 Spain Atlético Madrid
12 1GK Gerónimo Rulli (1992-05-20) 20 May 1992 (age 34) 8 0 France Marseille
23 1GK Emiliano Martínez (1992-09-02) 2 September 1992 (age 33) 66 0 England Aston Villa
2 2DF Marcos Senesi (1997-05-10) 10 May 1997 (age 29) 4 0 England Tottenham Hotspur
3 2DF Nicolás Tagliafico (1992-08-31) 31 August 1992 (age 33) 82 1 France Lyon
4 2DF Gonzalo Montiel (1997-01-01) 1 January 1997 (age 29) 44 2 Argentina River Plate
6 2DF Lisandro Martínez (1998-01-18) 18 January 1998 (age 28) 34 2 England Manchester United
8 2DF Valentín Barco (2004-07-23) 23 July 2004 (age 22) 5 2 France Strasbourg
13 2DF Cristian Romero (1998-04-27) 27 April 1998 (age 28) 57 4 England Tottenham Hotspur
19 2DF Nicolás Otamendi (1988-02-12) 12 February 1988 (age 38) 138 8 Argentina River Plate
25 2DF Facundo Medina (1999-05-28) 28 May 1999 (age 27) 13 0 France Marseille
26 2DF Nahuel Molina (1998-04-06) 6 April 1998 (age 28) 64 1 Spain Atlético Madrid
5 3MF Leandro Paredes (1994-06-29) 29 June 1994 (age 32) 83 5 Argentina Boca Juniors
7 3MF Rodrigo De Paul (1994-05-24) 24 May 1994 (age 32) 93 2 United States Inter Miami
11 3MF Giovani Lo Celso (1996-04-09) 9 April 1996 (age 30) 68 5 Spain Betis
14 3MF Exequiel Palacios (1998-10-05) 5 October 1998 (age 27) 41 0 Germany Bayer Leverkusen
16 3MF Thiago Almada (2001-04-26) 26 April 2001 (age 25) 21 5 Spain Atlético Madrid
18 3MF Nico Paz (2004-09-08) 8 September 2004 (age 21) 11 1 Italy Como
20 3MF Alexis Mac Allister (1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 27) 53 7 England Liverpool
24 3MF Enzo Fernández (2001-01-17) 17 January 2001 (age 25) 48 8 England Chelsea
9 4FW Julián Alvarez (2000-01-31) 31 January 2000 (age 26) 58 15 Spain Atlético Madrid
10 4FW Lionel Messi (Captain) (1987-06-24) 24 June 1987 (age 39) 206 125 United States Inter Miami
15 4FW Nicolás González (1998-04-06) 6 April 1998 (age 28) 57 6 Spain Atlético Madrid
17 4FW Giuliano Simeone (2002-12-18) 18 December 2002 (age 23) 15 2 Spain Atlético Madrid
21 4FW José Manuel López (2000-12-06) 6 December 2000 (age 25) 7 0 Brazil Palmeiras
22 4FW Lautaro Martínez (1997-08-22) 22 August 1997 (age 28) 84 40 Italy Internazionale

Recent Call-ups

These players have also been called up for the team in the last year.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Santiago Beltrán (2004-10-04) 4 October 2004 (age 21) 1 0 Argentina River Plate 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE; v.  Iceland, 9 June 2026
GK Walter Benítez (1993-01-19) 19 January 1993 (age 33) 1 0 England Crystal Palace 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
GK Facundo Cambeses (1997-04-09) 9 April 1997 (age 29) 1 0 Argentina Racing 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Leonardo Balerdi (1999-01-26) 26 January 1999 (age 27) 11 0 France Marseille 2026 FIFA World Cup INJ
DF Agustín Giay (2004-01-16) 16 January 2004 (age 22) 3 0 Brazil Palmeiras 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE; v.  Iceland, 9 June 2026
DF Nicolás Capaldo (1998-09-14) 14 September 1998 (age 27) 1 0 Germany Hamburger SV 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE; v.  Iceland, 9 June 2026
DF Simón Escobar (2009-07-17) 17 July 2009 (age 17) 0 0 Argentina Vélez Sarsfield v.  Iceland, 9 June 2026
DF Ignacio Ovando (2007-06-29) 29 June 2007 (age 19) 0 0 Argentina Rosario Central v.  Iceland, 9 June 2026
DF Marcos Acuña (1991-10-28) 28 October 1991 (age 34) 62 0 Argentina River Plate 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Germán Pezzella (1991-06-27) 27 June 1991 (age 35) 42 3 Argentina River Plate 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Lucas Martínez Quarta (1996-05-10) 10 May 1996 (age 30) 16 0 Argentina River Plate 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Kevin Mac Allister (1997-11-07) 7 November 1997 (age 28) 1 0 Belgium Union Saint-Gilloise 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Gabriel Rojas (1997-06-22) 22 June 1997 (age 29) 1 0 Brazil Cruzeiro 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Lautaro Di Lollo (2004-03-10) 10 March 2004 (age 22) 0 0 Argentina Boca Juniors 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Zaid Romero (1999-12-15) 15 December 1999 (age 26) 0 0 Spain Getafe 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Tomás Palacios (2003-04-28) 28 April 2003 (age 23) 0 0 Argentina Estudiantes v.  Zambia, 31 March 2026
DF Juan Foyth (1998-01-12) 12 January 1998 (age 28) 22 0 Spain Villarreal v.  Angola, 14 November 2025
DF Lautaro Rivero (2003-11-01) 1 November 2003 (age 22) 1 0 Argentina River Plate v.  Puerto Rico, 14 October 2025
DF Julio Soler (2005-02-16) 16 February 2005 (age 21) 0 0 England Bournemouth v.  Ecuador, 9 September 2025
MF Guido Rodríguez (1994-04-12) 12 April 1994 (age 32) 30 1 Spain Valencia 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Nicolás Domínguez (1998-06-28) 28 June 1998 (age 28) 11 1 England Nottingham Forest 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Emiliano Buendía (1996-12-25) 25 December 1996 (age 29) 2 0 England Aston Villa 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Máximo Perrone (2003-01-07) 7 January 2003 (age 23) 2 0 Italy Como 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Aníbal Moreno (1999-05-13) 13 May 1999 (age 27) 1 0 Argentina River Plate 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Milton Delgado (2005-06-16) 16 June 2005 (age 21) 0 0 Argentina Boca Juniors 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Equi Fernández (2002-07-25) 25 July 2002 (age 24) 0 0 Germany Bayer Leverkusen 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Alan Varela (2001-07-04) 4 July 2001 (age 25) 0 0 Portugal Porto 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Joaquín Freitas (2006-12-02) 2 December 2006 (age 19) 1 0 Argentina River Plate v.  Iceland, 9 June 2026
FW Tomás Aranda (2007-05-09) 9 May 2007 (age 19) 1 0 Argentina Boca Juniors 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE; v.  Iceland, 9 June 2026
FW Alejandro Garnacho (2004-07-01) 1 July 2004 (age 22) 8 0 England Chelsea 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Franco Mastantuono (2007-08-14) 14 August 2007 (age 18) 4 0 Spain Real Madrid 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Gianluca Prestianni (2006-01-31) 31 January 2006 (age 20) 1 0 Portugal Benfica 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Santiago Castro (2004-09-18) 18 September 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Italy Bologna 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Claudio Echeverri (2006-01-02) 2 January 2006 (age 20) 0 0 England Manchester City 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Mateo Pellegrino (2001-10-22) 22 October 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Italy Parma 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Matías Soulé (2003-04-15) 15 April 2003 (age 23) 0 0 Italy Roma 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Joaquín Panichelli (2002-10-07) 7 October 2002 (age 23) 1 0 France Strasbourg v.  Mauritania, 27 March 2026 INJ
FW Valentín Carboni (2005-03-05) 5 March 2005 (age 21) 3 0 Argentina Racing v.  Ecuador, 9 September 2025
FW Ángel Correa (1995-03-09) 9 March 1995 (age 31) 28 3 Mexico UANL v.  Venezuela, 4 September 2025 PRE
Notes
  • INJ = Withdrew due to injury.
  • PRE = Preliminary squad.
  • SUS = Suspended.
  • RET = Retired from the national team.
  • WD = Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Player Records and Achievements

Main article: Argentina national football team records and statistics

Players in bold are still active with Argentina.

Most Games Played

Argentina national football team records and statistics

Top Goal Scorers

Argentina national football team records and statistics

World Cup-Winning Captains

Year Player Caps Goals
1978 Daniel Passarella 70 22
1986 Diego Maradona 91 34
2022 Lionel Messi 206 125

Exciting Rivalries

Argentina vs. Brazil

Main article: Argentina–Brazil football rivalry

The rivalry between Argentina and Brazil is one of the oldest and most intense in South America. Even friendly matches between these two teams are often full of exciting and sometimes controversial moments. This rivalry is often called the "Superclassic of the Americas." FIFA has even described it as the "essence of football rivalry."

Fans often compare legendary players from both countries. For example, Pelé from Brazil and Diego Maradona from Argentina are frequently discussed. In modern football, Neymar (Brazil) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) are the top stars. Both Pelé and Maradona have said that Neymar and Messi are their "successors."

Argentina vs. England

Main article: Argentina–England football rivalry

The rivalry between Argentina and England began at the 1966 World Cup. It became even more intense due to historical events. They have met many times in World Cup tournaments.

A famous match was the quarter-final in 1986. In that game, Diego Maradona scored two unforgettable goals against England. The first was a handball, but the referee allowed it. The second goal, scored minutes later, saw Maradona dribble past five English players. It is often called one of the greatest goals in football history.

These two nations met again in the 1998 World Cup (Argentina won on penalties) and the 2002 World Cup (England won 1–0).

Argentina vs. Germany

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

Argentina has played Germany seven times in the FIFA World Cup. Three of these matches were World Cup finals. Argentina won 3–2 in 1986. However, Germany won 1–0 in both the 1990 and 2014 finals.

Their first World Cup meeting was in the group stage in 1958. Argentina lost 1–3 to West Germany, who were the champions at the time. In 1966, they drew 0–0 in the group stage. In 2006, they met in the quarter-finals. Argentina lost on penalties after a 1–1 draw. They met again at the same stage in 2010, with Germany winning 4–0. Their third World Cup final match was in 2014, where Germany won in extra time.

Argentina vs. Uruguay

Main article: Argentina–Uruguay football rivalry

Argentina has a long-standing rivalry with its neighbor, Uruguay. This rivalry started with the early South American Championships. It also includes the 1928 Summer Olympics and the first World Cup final in 1930. Argentina and Uruguay have played the most international matches between any two countries. They have faced each other 197 times since 1902. Their first match was also the first official international game played outside the United Kingdom.

Argentina vs. Netherlands

Main article: Argentina–Netherlands football rivalry

Sports media considers Argentina and the Netherlands to be two historically great teams. They have developed an intense rivalry. They have played ten matches in total, including six times during the World Cup.

Their first game was a friendly on May 26, 1974, which the Netherlands won 4–1. Their most famous match was the 1978 World Cup final, which Argentina won. One of their most recent and exciting meetings was at the 2022 World Cup. That game ended in a 2–2 draw, and Argentina won on penalties. This match is known as the Battle of Lusail.

Team Achievements and Honours

Global Titles

Intercontinental Titles

  • Artemio Franchi Trophy / Finalissima
    • 1 Champions (2): 1993, 2022 (record)

Continental Titles

  • South American Championship / Copa América
    • 1 Champions (16): 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959-I, 1991, 1993, 2021, 2024 (record)
    • 2 Runners-up (14): 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1959-II, 1967, 2004, 2007, 2015, 2016
    • 3 Third place (5): 1919, 1956, 1963, 1989, 2019
  • Panamerican Championship
    • 1 Champions (1): 1960
    • 2 Runners-up (1): 1956

Friendly Tournament Wins

  • Newton Cup (17): 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1911, 1916, 1918, 1924, 1927, 1928, 1937, 1942, 1945, 1957, 1973, 1975, 1976 (record)
  • Lipton Cup (18): 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1913, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1928, 1937, 1942, 1945, 1957, 1962, 1968, 1976, 1992 (record)
  • Copa Premier Honor Argentino (7): 1909, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1918, 1919, 1920 (record)
  • Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo (1): 1910
  • Copa Premier Honor Uruguayo (5): 1915, 1916, 1917, 1923, 1924
  • Roca Cup (4): 1923, 1939, 1940, 1971s
  • Copa Juan Mignaburu (5): 1935, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1943 (record)
  • Copa Héctor Rivadavia Gómez (3): 1935, 1936, 1943 (record)
  • Nations' Cup (1): 1964
  • Kirin Cup (2): 1992, 2003
  • Copa Times of India (1): 2011
  • Superclásico de las Américas (2): 2017, 2019
  • San Juan Cup (1): 2019

Awards and Recognitions

  • FIFA Team of the Year (4): 2007, 2016, 2023, 2024
  • Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year (1): 2023
  • World Soccer World Team of the Year (2): 1986, 2022
  • Gazzetta Sports World Team of the Year (2): 1978, 1986
  • Guerin Sportivo Team of the Year (1): 1986
  • FIFA World Cup Fair Play Trophy (1): 1978
  • Copa America Fair Play Award (1): 2016
  • AIPS Team of the Year (2): 2022, 2023

Timeline of Major Titles

Host nation Tournament Year No.
Argentina Argentina Copa América 1921 1st
Argentina Argentina Copa América 1925 2nd
Peru Peru Copa América 1927 3rd
Argentina Argentina Copa América 1929 4th
Argentina Argentina Copa América 1937 5th
Chile Chile Copa América 1941 6th
Chile Chile Copa América 1945 7th
Argentina Argentina Copa América 1946 8th
Ecuador Ecuador Copa América 1947 9th
Chile Chile Copa América 1955 10th
Peru Peru Copa América 1957 11th
Argentina Argentina Copa América 1959 12th
Costa Rica Costa Rica Panamerican Championship 1960 13th
Argentina Argentina World Cup 1978 14th
Mexico Mexico World Cup 1986 15th
Chile Chile Copa América 1991 16th
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Confederations Cup 1992 17th
Argentina Argentina Artemio Franchi Cup 1993 18th
Ecuador Ecuador Copa América 1993 19th
Brazil Brazil Copa América 2021 20th
England England Finalissima 2022 21st
Qatar Qatar World Cup 2022 22nd
United States United States Copa América 2024 23rd

Summary of Titles

Competition 1 2 3 Total
FIFA World Cup 3 3 0 6
FIFA Confederations Cup 1 2 0 3
Olympic Games 0 1 0 1
CONMEBOL Copa América 16 14 5 35
Panamerican Championship1 1 1 0 2
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions 2 0 0 2
Total 23 21 5 49

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Argentina para niños

  • List of Argentina international footballers
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Argentina national football team Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.