Argentina, led by Messi, aimed for World Cup glory in 2022 after their last win in 1986. They faced challenges selecting a fit squad and strategizing Messi's role. Despite initial setbacks, including Messi's injury, Argentina advanced through the group stages and knockout rounds with strategic changes and key performances from players like Di Maria. They reached the final against Belgium, where Messi's leadership and goals secured a World Cup victory, fulfilling the goal of making Argentina world champions again.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Argentina won the World Cup in 1986 with Diego Maradona.
2. Argentina's last World Cup win was in 1986.
3. The 2022 Qatar World Cup is potentially Lionel Messi's final World Cup.
4. Argentina won the Copa America and La Finalissima before the 2022 World Cup.
5. Argentina's group stage opponents in the 2022 World Cup were Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland.
6. Argentina has a squad of 42 players, but only 26 can be taken to the World Cup.
7. Paulo Dybala was injured, but was expected to be available for the second World Cup game.
8. Giovani Lo Celso was willing to delay surgery on his injury to play in the World Cup.
9. Enzo Fernandez was not included in Argentina's World Cup team in the game.
10. Argentina's first World Cup game was against Saudi Arabia.
11. Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the game against Saudi Arabia.
12. Messi scored a goal in the game against Saudi Arabia.
13. Argentina's second World Cup game was against Mexico.
14. Mexico won the game against Argentina 1-0.
15. Argentina's third World Cup game was against Poland.
16. Robert Lewandowski scored a goal for Poland in the game.
17. Lionel Messi was injured in the game against Poland.
18. Lautaro Martinez scored a goal for Argentina in the game against Poland.
19. Argentina topped their group and advanced to the round of 16.
20. Argentina's round of 16 opponent was Denmark.
21. Argentina's quarter-final opponent was Senegal.
22. Sadio Mane played for Senegal in the game against Argentina.
23. Argentina won the game against Senegal 1-0.
24. Argentina's semi-final opponent was France.
25. Karim Benzema scored a goal for France in the game.
26. Angel Di Maria scored two goals for Argentina in the game against France.
27. Argentina won the game against France 4-1.
28. Argentina's World Cup final opponent was Belgium.
29. Lionel Messi scored a goal in the World Cup final.
30. Angel Di Maria scored a goal in the World Cup final.
31. Argentina won the World Cup final 2-0 against Belgium.
32. Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy for Argentina.