Argentina enters the United States World Cup as one of the favorites, but history stacks against back‑to‑back triumphs. No team has ever defended the trophy on foreign soil; Italy repeated in 1938 and Brazil in 1962, both on their home continent. A win would force the record books to rewrite a 90‑year trend.

Since the 2022 final victory, La Albiceleste has collected three titles – Copa América 2021, World Cup 2022 and Copa América 2024 – ending a 28‑year drought since 1993. They topped American qualifying by 9 points, while Messi, now 39, remained top scorer yet the side thrived in his absence, beating Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. Forward Julián Álvarez shares burden with midfield partner Thiago Almada.

Entering the tournament, Argentina bears several niggles. Messi joined camp after muscle fatigue forced him out of an Inter Miami match, while Nico Paz treats a left‑knee injury separately. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez recovered from a finger fracture and Cristian Romero missed Tottenham action with a knee problem. Scaloni kept the 2022 back line, so fitness will decide whether La Albiceleste can repeat.