World Cup Preview: Can Argentina go all the way?

Argentina will be inspired by Lionel Messi at the World Cup but can they go all the way and land the title? (Photo credit: GOAL)

The FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar this weekend and we begin the official countdown by analyzing teams and their potential chances at the tournament.

Argentina is one of the odds-on favorites to win and could well do it after coming really close in 2014 when Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste to the final in Brazil only to lose to an extra-time goal off the boots of Mario Goetze.

Where does their strength lie?

Argentina is solely built around their mercurial legend Messi and he makes them tick, he makes every team tick and he will be their go-to man. This is certainly Messi’s last shot at the World Cup and he would want to make it count, he is fit and always available to deliver magic.

Who are the other players they can rely on?

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has matured into his own in-between the sticks; he was part of the team that finally landed the Copa America and he will be handy in Qatar. The Aston Villa shot-stopper has points to prove, he won’t let this opportunity slip.

Lisandro Martinez has started earning stripes at Manchester United, what he lacks in height, he has in abundance in other areas and Argentina can use his strength and resilience at the tournament; Martinez is someone to watch out for in Qatar.

In the absence of the duo of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia, Argentina can rely on Rodrigo De Paul. The Atletico Madrid midfielder has proven to be a reliable cover in midfield; relentless and pays attention all game long, he will have Brighton’s Mac Allister as midfield support, which is solid.

Angel Di Maria is still around and so is Paulo Dybala but Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez is a name to watch out for at the World Cup. He certainly hasn’t got enough playing time with Erling Haaland grabbing headlines at the Etihad but defenses won’t enjoy squaring up against the spare man.

Argentina will kickoff their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia before playing Mexico and Poland. Their 35-match unbeaten run will spur them on in Qatar and without a doubt, Scaloni’s side will be up there all things being equal.