Argentina are the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup 2022. The main reason behind this is the presence of G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi in the Argentina’s squad. This will be Messi’s last World Cup, therefore his fans are praying that he lifts the trophy this time. Argentina have not won the trophy since 1993. Although they won the Copa America last year but still La Albiceleste are in dire need of a strong run at FIFA World Cup 2022. Let’s see why Argentina are the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Lionel Scaloni’s men will try hard to break their losing streak in style. The 43-year-old coach has an interesting set of players at his disposal such as Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Di Maria, and of course, Lionel Messi in Argentina squad for FIFA World Cup 2022.
The following are the reasons as to Why Argentina are the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 :
Maiden World Cup title for Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the greatest football player in the world. He has proved himself by winning almost every major trophy and individual awards with Barcelona. But a lack of trophies with Argentina, outside the Olympic gold medal and U20 World Cup, is the main argument against the seven time Ballon d’Or winner being the greatest of all time. It is true that he won the title of Copa America last year but the South America tournament has not earned much value in the recent times. Unlike the Euros, it took place four times in a span of 7 years. It is also not that competitive. Except Brazil and Uruguay, all the other teams are mediocre nations.
Messi will be hoping to reach the greatest spot with the national team at the World Cup, being hosted by Qatar this winter. Messi won the Golden Ball during FIFA World Cup 2014, despite missing out on the ultimate glory at the hands of Germany. A majority of football fans wants Argentina to win FIFA World Cup 2022 so that Messi can add the ultimate international glory to his name. The PSG forward is the main reason for Argentina being the fans favorite to win the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Tribute to Diego Maradona
The Argentina players and coaches paid tribute to Diego Maradona in a statue unveiling ceremony before their World Cup qualifier against Chile. The statue depicts a defiant Maradona, hand on his waist and a ball at his feet. An inscription on it reads “Diego Maradona, 1960-2020” and a symbol representing infinity. The best tribute that Argentina can give to Diego Maradona is to win FIFA World Cup this time. It would be perfect to dedicate this trophy to the greatest footballer of Argentina.
Neutralize the previous final losses
FIFA World Cup 2022 could be an opportunity to make amends for Argentina’s three final losses in the final of Copa America editions of 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Argentina reached to final of FIFA World Cup 2014. They were the favorites to win the trophy. But in the final minutes a goal from Mario Gotze shattered the dreams of Argentina. Messi won the golden ball of the tournament.
Argentina made to the decider of the 2015 Copa America. Unfortunately, they lost on penalties to hosts, Chile. In the 2016 Copa America Centenario, they lost on penalties to Chile once again in the final, with Messi, who scored his spot-kick the previous year, missing from 12 yards.
Argentina squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 has the potential to lock horns for the trophy. Therefore, if Argentina wins the World Cup trophy this time, it will give some relief to the pain of previous final losses.
Ballon d’or for Lionel Messi
The race for the 2022 Ballon d’Or award is heating up. With a rise of competition in all the major domestic leagues and European competitions like the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, the focus will now shift to FIFA World Cup 2022.
Lionel Messi has a great beginning in this season with PSG. The performance of any player in the World Cup will affect his Ballon d’Or ratings to a great extent. Messi will not get another chance to win a major international trophy. Doing so would put him right in the mix for a eighth Ballon d’Or.
Young Talent in Argentina Squad
The Argentina squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 is packed with young talents as well as experienced and versatile players. This time they can find a fluid combination of stars that can take the team to the pinnacle of the sport. The likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Juan Foyth and Nicolas Tagliafico have the potential to win World Cup.
Messi’s last World Cup
For Messi, there is extra significance to this tournament, even though it is not being played in his homeland as he might have hoped. He will turn 34 during the Copa America, so it will be his last chance of achieving the one thing that has eluded him throughout his career – a major international trophy. This edition at Qatar will be Messi’s last run at the World Cup. A World Cup trophy is the only thing that is missing from his illustrious career.
Lionel Messi has himself confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2022 at Qatar will be his last one. The Argentinian has played in four World Cups till now and this will be his fifth and final one. The best thing to happen in the football world is that Messi wins his final World Cup with Argentina. That would be best farewell for a player like him.
