Argentina national football team
Mens national football team.
The Argentina national football team, known as La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue), represents Argentina in international football competitions. The team is governed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the oldest football association in South America and one of the oldest in the world. Argentina is a member of CONMEBOL in South America and FIFA globally. The team's colors, sky blue and white, are derived from the national flag of Argentina.
Argentina is one of the most successful national teams in football history, having won three FIFA World Cup titles (1978, 1986, 2022) and reached the final on three other occasions (1930, 1990, 2014). They have also won 15 Copa América titles, making them the joint record holders with Uruguay. The team has claimed two Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008) and one FIFA Confederations Cup (1992).
La Albiceleste has produced some of the greatest players in football history. Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 with his infamous "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England. Lionel Messi, considered by many as the greatest player of all time, captained Argentina to their third World Cup title in 2022, finally securing his legacy on the international stage.
Argentina has a fierce rivalry with Brazil, known as the Superclásico de las Américas. This rivalry is considered one of the most passionate in football, with both teams having won multiple World Cups and produced numerous legendary players. Their matches are always highly anticipated events in world football.
The team has consistently been ranked among the top nations in the FIFA World Rankings since their inception. They reached the number one spot for the first time in March 2007 and have occupied it multiple times since, most recently after their 2022 World Cup victory.
Argentina's youth teams have also been highly successful, with their U-20 team winning a record six FIFA U-20 World Cup titles. This success at the youth level has contributed to a steady stream of talent for the senior national team.