Jorge Sampaoli-led La Albiceleste of Argentina’s way to the World Cup was a dramatic one, however, the South American giant remains one of the favourites tipped for the World Cup Glory.
Argentina head into the final round of South American qualifying, they were outside of the top four, and in danger of missing out on the showpiece altogether for the first time since 1970.
When they fell behind to Ecuador early in that crucial away game, the disastrous possibility looked like it was becoming reality. Before Lionel Messi happened.
The captain scored a famous hat-trick to save his team from national embarrassment, and give himself another shot at the international glory which has eluded him in a career with so much club success.
KEY PLAYER:
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi [Image: Getty Images]
RISING STAR:
Paolo Dybala
Paolo Dybala [Image: Getty Images]
Argentina World Cup Fixtures
Argentina will play their first group game on the 16th of June against Iceland. On the 21st they will play their toughest group game, against the Croatians, and end their group stage on the 26th against Nigeria.
16th June – Iceland
21st June – Croatia
26th June – Nigeria
Argentina Full squad:
Goalkeepers: N. Guzman (Tigres-UANL), W. Caballero (Chelsea), F. Armani (River Plate).
Defenders: G. Mercado (Sevilla), C. Ansaldi (Inter Milan), N. Otamendi (Man City), F. Fazio (AS Roma), M. Rojo (Man United), N. Tagliafico (Ajax), M. Acuna (Sporting Lisbon).
Midfielders: Mascherano (Hebei China Fortune), E. Salvio (Benfica), L. Biglia (AC Milan), G. Lo Celso (Paris St Germain), E. Banega (Sevilla), M. Lanzini (West Ham), M. Meza (Independiente).
Forwards: Di Maria (Paris St Germain), C. Pavon (Boca Juniors), L. Messi (Barcelona), P. Dybala (Juventus), G.Higuain (Juventus), S. Aguero (Man City).
