Argentina national under-20 football team
National youth football team.
The Argentina national under-20 football team, known as La Selección, is one of the most successful teams in the history of youth football. Managed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the team has achieved remarkable success in both the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the South American Youth Championship.
Argentina holds the record for the most titles in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having won the tournament six times. Their championships came in 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005, and 2007. The team's first victory in 1979 was particularly significant as it marked their debut in the tournament, where they showcased a talented squad featuring Diego Maradona. The subsequent victories in the 1990s and early 2000s solidified Argentina's dominance at this level, with notable players such as Javier Saviola, Lionel Messi, and Sergio Agüero leading the charge.
In addition to their World Cup successes, Argentina has also excelled in the South American Youth Championship, winning it five times. Their titles came in 1967, 1997, 1999, 2003, and 2015. These victories not only reflect Argentina's strength in youth football but also serve as a crucial platform for developing future stars who often transition to the senior national team.
The team's ability to cultivate talent is evident in the numerous players who have emerged from its ranks to achieve greatness in professional football. Icons like Maradona, Messi, and Agüero began their journeys with the U20 team, highlighting its importance in Argentina's rich footballing tradition.