What Makes The Argentinian Football Team So Great?
Association football is, without a doubt, the most popular sport in Argentina and a fundamental part of the culture in the country. It is the sport with the most players (2 658 811 total) and 331 811 of which are registered and 2 327 000 are unregistered. There are 3 650 clubs and 37 161 officials, all according to FIFA. Football is the most popular recreational sport, played from childhood into old age. The percentage of Argentines who declare allegiance to an Argentine football club is about 90%.
The History Of Football In Argentina
Football was introduced to Argentina in the latter half of the 19th century by immigrants from Britain in Buenos Aires. The very first Argentine league was challenged in 1891, making it the fifth-oldest recognisable league of a FIFA member (following England, Scotland, Northern Ireland as well as the Netherlands). The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was established in 1893 and is the eighth oldest on the planet.
The Team’s Highlights
The Argentina national soccer team is one of the eight to have bagged the FIFA World Cup, having done so in 1978, 1986 as well as in 2022, while being runner-up in 1930, 1990 and 2014. In addition, Argentina has won the top continental tournament, the Copa América, a total of 15 times as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup in the early 90s.
Argentina’s Olympic representative has won two Gold Medals (in 2004 and 2008) while – at the same time – the under-20 team has won a world-record of six U-20 World Cups. At a club level, Argentine teams have won the most Intercontinental Cups together with the most Copa Libertadores.
The Top Argentinian Football Players
Diego Armando Maradona
The god of football. El pelusa and his legacy around the globe is unparalleled, a true legend in every football team he played for and adored by loyal fans in Napoli (ITA) and of his cherished Boca Juniors (ARG). Sadly, Maradona died on 25 November 2020 however his legacy is everlasting and will live on in the souls and minds of Argentinians and football fans all over the globe.
Lionel Messi
One of the stars of the modern football era and the best goal scorer for both Argentina as well as Barcelona. La pulga and his left-footed dribbling has attracted comparisons with his fellow citizen Maradona. Messi has won a ground-breaking six European Golden Boots and six Ballon D’or awards together with countless trophies with Barcelona. Messi is already seen as one of the best footballers of all time.
Alfredo Di Stefano
A man with saintly standing in Real Madrid and as popular as CA gambling online. Gifted with speed, power and immense skill, it is said that this football legend could play in any position whatsoever on the pitch. Di Stefano was at the helm of the Real Madrid squad which dominated La Liga and the European Cup in the 50s. ‘The blond arrow’ notched up over 800 goals in his career and in 2003 he was voted the fourth best player in the last 50 years by France Football Magazine behind his compatriot Maradona, Pele and Cruyff. Di Stefano passed away in 2014 at the age of 88.