2018 Argentina Home – Lionel Messi #10 XL

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a turbulent and ultimately disappointing tournament for Argentina, despite boasting world-class talent and the presence of Lionel Messi.

• Group Stage (Group D):

  • Argentina 1–1 Iceland – Sergio Agüero scored, but Messi missed a penalty in a frustrating draw.

  • Argentina 0–3 Croatia – a crushing defeat left qualification in serious doubt.

  • Argentina 2–1 Nigeria – goals from Messi and Marcos Rojo secured a dramatic late win and passage to the Round of 16.

• Round of 16: Faced eventual champions France. In one of the tournament’s best matches, Argentina lost 4–3, with Messi assisting twice, but ultimately being eliminated.

• Result: Argentina exited in the Round of 16, leaving fans disappointed given their talent.

• Kit: The 2018 Argentina home jersey, made by Adidas, returned to a classic Albiceleste design with two wide sky-blue stripes and subtle laurels printed on the sides to celebrate the Argentine FA’s 125th anniversary.

2. Player’s Impact – Lionel Messi (2018 World Cup)

Lionel Messi, entering the tournament as the reigning 5-time Ballon d’Or winner, was Argentina’s captain and talisman.

• Appearances: Played all 4 matches.

• Statistics: 1 goal, 2 assists.

• Key Moments:

  • Scored a stunning goal vs. Nigeria: exquisite control with his thigh and foot before rifling past the keeper.

  • Provided two assists in the 4–3 loss to France.

• Role: Played in a deeper playmaking role, often dropping into midfield due to Argentina’s lack of structure. He was the creative heartbeat of the side, but the burden was heavy.

• Legacy: Despite flashes of brilliance, Messi struggled to replicate his club dominance at this World Cup. Still, his goal vs. Nigeria remains one of the most iconic of his international career, showcasing his magic under immense pressure.

3. Full Squad List – Argentina 2018 World Cup

Manager: Jorge Sampaoli

Goalkeepers:

• Willy Caballero (Chelsea)

• Franco Armani (River Plate)

• Nahuel Guzmán (Tigres UNAL)

Defenders:

• Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla)

• Nicolás Otamendi (Manchester City)

• Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)

• Nicolás Tagliafico (Ajax)

• Federico Fazio (Roma)

• Marcos Acuña (Sporting CP)

• Eduardo Salvio (Benfica)

• Cristian Ansaldi (Torino)

Midfielders:

• Javier Mascherano (Hebei China Fortune)

• Éver Banega (Sevilla)

• Giovani Lo Celso (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Enzo Pérez (River Plate)

• Lucas Biglia (AC Milan)

• Maximiliano Meza (Independiente)

• Ángel Di María (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards:

• Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Captain)

• Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)

• Gonzalo Higuaín (Juventus)

• Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

• Cristian Pavón (Boca Juniors)