Top 10 moments in Argentina's football history

Alberceleste have been one of the most dominating side in footballing history.

The current world champions, Argentina national football team are undoubtedly one of the best footballing nations till date. Alberceleste have clinched three World Cups & 15 Copa America titles to date and are presently ranked number 1 by the FIFA World rankings. 

The Argentina football team played their first international game on 20 July 1902, against Uruguay at Montevideo. The side’s biggest win came in the same city on 22 January 1942, when they beat Ecuador by 12 goals. 

On that note, let’s have a look at the best moments in Argentina’s football history, a nation captained by the legendary Lionel Messi & once anchored by the greatest, Diego Maradona.

Top moments in Argentina’s football history:

10. First Appearance at the World Cup (1930)

Argentina was one of those 13 nations, which got the opportunity to play in the inaugural edition of the football World Cup – the 1930 FIFA World Cup. 

The side played its very first game at the auspicious event against France, on 15 July 1930. The game was played at Montevideo, where Argentina edged past France. Argentina won all its group-stage games & defeated the USA in the semis. They lost to Uruguay in the finals & finished runners in the competition.

9. 1951 Pan American Games Gold Medal

La Seleccion have won the gold medal at the Pan American Games for a record five times. They clinched it first at the 1951 edition, which also happens to be the first edition of the grand tournament.

Argentina won all their games in this five-nation race, starting with grand wins against Venezuela & Costa Rica. The teams scored a total of 15 goals across four games while facing just two. Norberto Cupo, Jose Pellejero, Juan Intini, Miguel Angel Baiocco, and Alfredo Martinez were the goalscorers in the squad.

8. Winning 2022 Finalissima

The Cup, jointly organised by UEFA & CONMEBOL happened after 29 years in 2022. Argentina, the 2021 Copa America champions played Italy for the trophy. The South American champions earned a comfortable victory against the Euro winners.

Argentina won by three goals, scored by Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria & Paulo Dybala. Messi was adjudged player of the match for his two assists & numerous chances created. With complete domination, Argentina clinched their second Finalissima trophy after 1993.

7. Winning 1960 Panamerican Championship

Argentina won their only Panamerican Championship in 1960, fighting the likes of Brazil, Costa Rica & Mexico. In this round-robin tournament, they won four while drawing & losing one each in the tournament. They only lost to Costa Rica and Brazil.

The side had scored nine goals in the competition while facing four. Osvaldo Nardiello and Raul Belen were the highest goalscorers with three goals each.

6. Winning 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup

Argentina have to date featured in three FIFA Confederations Cups, winning it once in its inaugural season. In 1992, the tournament was named as King Fahd Cup, where Argentina played Ivory Coast in the semis & hosted Saudi Arabia in the finals, winning both in style.

Gabriel Batistuta was the leading goalscorer in the tournament. Argentina scored seven goals in the competition while facing just one.

5. Winning 2021 Copa America

Lionel Scaloni’s invincible side with captain Lionel Messi marked an end to Argentina’s 28-year-long trophy drought when clinched the Copa America 2021. They won the competition for the first time since 1993 & bagged their record 15th title, becoming the joint most successful team with Uruguay.

Messi scored the highest goals (4) in the competition while ace goalie Emiliano Martinez was judged the best GK for his heroics. The side beat Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia in the group while drawing the opener v/s Chile. They played Ecuador, Colombia & Brazil in the quarters, semis and finale respectively.

4. Winning 1921 Copa America

This happened to be the first of many for the grand Argentine team. After finishing runners in the past three of four editions, Argentina finally clinched their maiden Copa America title. The side played Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay to score five goals and maintain a clean sheet in all to bag the trophy.

Julio Libonatti starred with three goals in the competition held in Buenos Aires. Arch-rivals Brazil came second while Uruguay & Paraguay ranked third & fourth respectively.

3. Winning the 1986 FIFA World Cup

The Greatest of All Time, Diego Maradona’s Argentina national football claimed to be world champions for the second time in history, after having a dream unbeaten run. Maradona ruled the FIFA World Cup almost single-handedly, scoring five goals & putting on legendary magical shows every time he stepped onto the field.

Argentina beat South Korea & Bulgaria while drawing with Italy in the group stage. They edged past Uruguay, England & Belgium to enter the finals in style. In the grand finale, Argentina edged past West Germany in a high-scoring classic to become the world champions.

2. Winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Like 1986, 2022 saw another Argentine GOAT, Lionel Messi’s magical masterclass. Argentina entered the World Cup with an unbeaten run, boasting high confidence and a formidable squad. The side however suffered a jolt in the first game, when they lost to Saudi Arabia. Showing character, the invincible side dominated & won every game after that.

They beat Mexico & Poland next by two goals each. The side edged past Australia & Netherlands to face Croatia in the semis & dominate the game. In the final, they faced defending champions France in what could be the greatest game of the century & clinched the game after winning in tie-breakers.

Lionel Scaloni’s side played like the best team in the world, focusing on team game & tactical brilliance to claim the most prestigious trophy. Messi scored seven goals in the competition.

1. Winning the 1978 FIFA World Cup 

Nothing feels more grand than becoming world champions for the first time. Argentina hosted the 16-nation World Cup to win it for the first time. Mario Kempes with six goals ruled the month-long show.

The hosts won against France, and Hungary & lost to Italy in the group stage. In the second round, they beat Poland and Peru while drawing with Brazil to finish as group leaders & secure a final berth. In the finals, Netherlands were beaten as the game went to extra-time, where Argentina scored two goals to make the score-line 3-1.

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