2014 Argentina Away – Lionel Messi #10 Medium WC Final Edition

The 2014 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Brazil, stands as one of the most significant tournaments in the history of Argentina national football team. Managed by Alejandro Sabella, Argentina entered the competition with a clear mission: build a team capable of finally carrying Lionel Messi to international glory. Unlike previous Messi-led sides, this Argentina team was defined by defensive solidity, tactical discipline, and pragmatism, rather than attacking excess.

Argentina topped Group F with three wins from three matches, defeating Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria. While performances were not always fluent, Messi’s decisive moments ensured maximum points. In the knockout rounds, Argentina edged past Switzerland (1–0 after extra time), Belgium (1–0), and the Netherlands (0–0, penalties), reaching their first World Cup final since 1990.

The final, played at the Maracanã against Germany, ended in heartbreak. Despite several clear chances — including a missed one-on-one by Gonzalo Higuaín — Argentina were defeated 1–0 after extra time by Mario Götze’s goal. Though the trophy slipped away, Argentina’s run was widely praised as a masterclass in tournament football, balancing resilience with moments of brilliance.

The 2014 Argentina away kit, produced by adidas, was elegant and symbolic. Featuring a deep royal blue base, sky-blue adidas stripes, and subtle white detailing, the shirt projected calm authority. Worn throughout the knockout stages, it became inseparable from Argentina’s journey to the final and Messi’s most complete World Cup performance.

2. Player’s Impact – Lionel Messi

The 2014 World Cup was the tournament that transformed Lionel Messi’s international narrative. At 27 years old, Messi delivered a campaign defined by leadership, decisiveness, and responsibility — carrying Argentina deeper than any tournament before.

Messi scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist, all his goals coming in the group stage. Each strike was decisive: a curling finish against Bosnia, a late winner versus Iran, and a brilliant brace against Nigeria. Beyond goals, Messi dictated tempo, dropped deep to orchestrate play, and absorbed defensive pressure that allowed Argentina’s rigid structure to function.

Tactically, Messi operated as a free central attacker, often retreating into midfield to initiate attacks before accelerating into advanced positions. His dribbling, passing, and spatial awareness made him Argentina’s sole creative axis. As the tournament progressed, his influence became more subtle but no less critical — controlling matches through positioning and game intelligence rather than explosive output.

Messi played every minute of Argentina’s knockout matches and captained the side with composure and maturity. His performances earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player — a controversial but fitting recognition of his role as Argentina’s driving force. Though the final ended in defeat, Brazil 2014 marked the moment Messi truly became Argentina’s leader, not just its star.

3. Full Squad List (Argentina – 2014 World Cup, Brazil)

Manager: Alejandro Sabella

Goalkeepers:
Sergio Romero, Agustín Marchesín, Nahuel Guzmán

Defenders:
Pablo Zabaleta, Marcos Rojo, Federico Fazio, Martín Demichelis, Nicolás Otamendi, Germán Pezzella, Cristian Ansaldi

Midfielders:
Javier Mascherano (vice-captain), Lucas Leiva, Éver Banega, Fernando Gago, Erik Lamela, Lucas Biglia

Forwards:
Lionel Messi (captain), Gonzalo Higuaín, Carlos Tévez, Ángel Di María, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Sergio Agüero