Argentina comes into the 2022 Qatar World Cup as one of the most respected national teams in the world. This is nothing new.
The big story, however, is what will likely be Lionel Messi’s final participation in a WC tournament. Do the Argentines have enough to offer their captain the trophy as a parting gift?
Here’s a look at Argentina’s squad, tactics, and potential to improve your fantasy football squad.
Fantasy football potential/Odds
There’s never a World Cup tournament when Argentina is not considered among the favorites to win the trophy.
Still, their last victory was back in 1986. Is anything different now?
Likely, yes. Argentina has a well-rounded group of players. They won Copa America against arch-rivals Brazil in 2021. Plus, the emotional aspect of Messi’s final tournament is also bound to add up.
Regarding fantasy football, Argentina’s squad is a great team from which to choose. First of all, numerous 2* players can be picked by anyone. These cards are leased in FootballCoin using in-game currency, Gold.
Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, or Enzo Fernandez are a great way to boost your team’s chances.
There are also many established stars set to make a splash. Lautaro Martinez or Leandro Paredes shouldn’t be overlooked.
Finally, there’s Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers ever. As a 5* player, he can give your fantasy squad the spark it needs.
Full squad & predicted line-up
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli. Franco Armani
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Germán Pezzella, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Marcos Acuña, Nicolás Tagliafico, Juan Foyth
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis MacAllister, Guido Rodríguez, Alejandro Gómez, Enzo Fernández, Exequiel Palacios
Forwards: Ángel Di María, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, Joaquín Correa, Paulo Dybala, Lionel Messi
Argentina is one of the most popular teams in the World Cup with neutral fans.
This is Argentina’s predicted starting XI: Martinez – Tagliafico, Martinez, Otamendi, Molina – Paredes, Fernandez, De Paul – Di Maria, Messi, Martinez
Tactics and formations
Like their rivals Brazil, the Argentinians prize free-flowing, expressive football.
Similarly, they tend to set up in a 4-3-3 formation. However, this is often times abandoned for a fluid shape.
Argentina’s midfield trio of Paredes, De Paul, and De Celso (or Fernandez) is integral to the team’s success. Out of these, Paredes is the one that tends to provide defensive cover.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Papu Gomez tend to play almost as inside forwards. The width is provided by the wing-backs, Tagliafico and Molina.
Lionel Scaloni’s side overflows with creativity. There’s also a good mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm, which makes Argentina one of the teams to watch.
Key players
Lionel Messi – Not only one of his generation’s best players, but Messi has also refound his form. While last season was a difficult one, the PSG forward is ready and able to create moments of creative genius.
Leandro Paredes – Argentina is known for its attacking options. Meanwhile, Paredes is the tough, no-nonsense midfielder who keeps the defense safe. Playing against Paredes is never fun or easy. It’s why the defensive midfielder is important to the South Americans’ chances.
