Argentina are one step away from reaching the final of World Cup 2022, with Croatia standing in their way on Tuesday night.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have impressed in Qatar, winning their group ahead of Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia before overcoming Australia and the Netherlands in the knockout stages.
Argentinian great Lionel Messi is chasing the first World Cup title of his illustrious career in what will be the 35-year-old’s final tournament appearance.
But should Argentina progress to the final, it won’t be Messi’s first taste of the biggest game in international football.
When was the last time Argentina were in the World Cup final?
Argentina last reached the World Cup final during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Messi played a starring role in getting them there, scoring four goals in the group stage and setting up Angel Di Maria’s extra-time winner over Switzerland in the last 16.
Alejandro Sabella‘s side then overcame Belgium 1-0 in the quarter-finals before beating the Netherlands on penalties in the semi-finals – just like they did a stage earlier in Qatar.
However, a strong Germany side proved a step too far for the Albiceleste, as Mario Gotze’s goal in extra-time sealed a close-fought encounter.
It was a heartbreaking conclusion to the tournament for Argentina after Manuel Neuer kept them at bay, but Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for player of the tournament at full-time.
Argentina’s all-time World Cup final record
- 1930: Uruguay 4-2 Argentina
- 1978: Argentina 3-1 Netherlands (AET)
- 1986: Argentina 3-2 West Germany
- 1990: West Germany 1-0 Argentina
- 2014: Germany 1-0 Argentina (AET)
