Series Of Finals Shows Argentina Are Best National Team After World Cup Win

Lionel Messi endured brutal criticisms of his international career after losing four major tournament finals including three Copa America and the 2014 World Cup final against Germany. 

He was forced to retire from the national team on multiple occasions but was urged to return each time before finally tasting glory under namesake and former teammate Lionel Scaloni. 

The last 18 months have seen La Albiceleste enjoy tremendous at continental and World stage but a certain trend stood out in all of Argentina's triumphs which makes them the best national team of the last two years .

Below shows the trend:

1) The first international trophy of Lionel Messi's career came on the continental stage, the 2021 Copa America. Angel Di Maria scored the only goal of the match to beat 2019 Copa America champions Brazil at the Maracana stadium, as noted by The Sun. 

2) The second was the UEFA-CONMEBOL Cup of Champions, dubbed Finalissima, which was brought back for the first time since 1993. Marca reported that Argentina dominated Euro 2021 champions Italy 3-0 at Wembley stadium to win it. 

3) The third and the biggest, the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Argentina defeated 2018 World Cup winners France 4-2 on penalties in the final at the Lusail stadium in Doha, Qatar and Messi completed football as written by CBS Sports. 

The Finalissima was the only time Argentina did not defeat a defending champion to win, because they were the defending champions. The last time it was played in 1993, Argentina won it defeating 1992 European champions Denmark. 

Source: Sportsbrief