Group J · Match 19Full time
- L. Messi 17'
- L. Messi 60'
- L. Messi 76'
Argentina
Group JFIFA ranking #2CONMEBOLARG
Defending champions · 3× winners
Profile
The reigning world champions begin their title defence in Kansas City with Lionel Messi, now 38, playing in what is almost certainly his record sixth and final World Cup. Messi won football's greatest prize at last in Qatar with a performance across the tournament that most observers regard as the greatest individual World Cup contribution ever seen. Lionel Scaloni's side dominated South American qualifying and has maintained the collective spirit and tactical intelligence that made them champions. The supporting cast — Julián Álvarez with Atlético Madrid goals, Lautaro Martínez leading Inter Milan, Enzo Fernández commanding Chelsea's midfield — is more than capable of carrying Argentina even if Messi's age catches up with him. Group J contains Algeria, Austria and Jordan, none of which should trouble a side of Argentina's pedigree significantly. The question is whether the emotion of Messi's final tournament provides inspiration or distraction as they chase a fourth world title.
Argentina fixtures
Group J · Match 43Full time
- L. Messi 38'
- F. Medina 76'
- L. Paredes 90'+2'
- L. Messi 90'+5'
- S. Posch 40'
- K. Laimer 76'
Group J · Match 70Full time
- M. Abu Taha 17'
- M. Al-Tamari 55'
- Y. Al-Arab 64'
- M. Abu Zraiq 90'+4'
- G. Lo Celso 19'
- L. Martínez (P) 31'
- L. Messi 80'
Round of 32 · Match 87AET
- L. Messi 29'
- L. Martínez 92'
- D. Borges (OG) 111'
- G. Montiel 115'
- D. Duarte 59'
- K. Pina 68'
- S. Lopes Cabral 103'
Round of 16 · Match 95Full time
- C. Romero 79'
- L. Messi 83'
- E. Fernández 90'+2'
- Y. Ibrahim 15'
- M. Zico 67'
- M. Shoubir 90'+3'
- H. Fathy 90'+4'
- M. Attia 90'+8'
- H. Hassan 90'+12'
Quarter-final · Match 100AET
- A. Mac Allister 10'
- T. Almada 97'
- L. Martínez 98'
- J. Álvarez 112'
- J. López 114'
- L. Martínez 120'+1'
- B. Embolo 44'
- D. Ndoye 67'
- B. Embolo 72'
Semi-final · Match 102Full time
- E. Anderson 37'
- A. Gordon 55'
- L. Martínez 42'
- C. Romero 51'
- E. Fernández 85'
- L. Martínez 90'+2'
- R. De Paul 90'+4'
Final · Match 104AET
- F. Torres 106'
- L. Martínez 41'
- L. Paredes 52'
- E. Fernández 82'
- C. Romero 90'+2'
- E. Fernández 90'+3'
- A. Mac Allister 111'
Players to watch
Lionel Messi
Forward · Inter Miami
The greatest footballer who ever lived, now the undisputed holder of that title after his extraordinary Qatar 2022 World Cup. Eight Ballon d'Or awards, multiple Champions Leagues, Copa Americas and the world title he waited his career to win. At 38 in this final World Cup, his creative genius and leadership remain unique and irreplaceable.
Julián Álvarez
Forward · Atlético Madrid
The second hero of Qatar 2022 alongside Messi, Álvarez scored vital goals at every stage of the tournament including two in the final. Now established at Atlético Madrid as one of La Liga's most dangerous forwards, his combination of pace, pressing, link-up play and goals from deep positions make him a perfect partner for Messi.
Lautaro Martínez
Forward · Inter Milan
Argentina's most prolific club striker over the past four seasons, Martínez has led Inter Milan to multiple Serie A titles with his movement, technical quality and clinical finishing. His ability to score in the biggest matches — including crucial rounds of the Champions League — and his physical presence in the box make him Argentina's primary target man.
Group J table
Group J
Top 2 advance · best 3rds may qualify| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +7 | 9 |
| 2Austria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 3Algeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 4 |
| 4Jordan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -5 | 0 |