How many times Argentina have won the World Cup: Messi to replicate Maradona

Argentina are just one win away from becoming World Cup champions for the first time in 36 years when they face France or Morocco this weekend. 

After an early shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, La Albiceleste have recovered to reach the Qatar 2022 final after five straight victories.

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Argentina have continued to grow in the Qatar tournament

Lionel Messi has never won the World Cup in his career and his team are putting in their all to make sure they lift the trophy this weekend. 

If they do triumph it will be the first time they have won the competition since Diego Maradona was in his pomp. 

How many times have Argentina won the World Cup?

Argentina have won the World Cup twice. 

They won their first World Cup title in 1978, lifting the trophy at their home tournament after beating Netherlands in Buenos Aires. 

La Albiceleste ran out 3-1 winners after extra time following a brace by legendary striker Mario Kempes. 

This tournament had two group stages with Argentina coming second in the first round before winning the next group, finishing above Brazil. 

In the final, Kempes scored the opener in the first half before the tie was taken to extra time thanks to a late Netherlands equaliser. 

The striker then scored again to seal their first title in their own country. 

Bob Thomas Sports Photography - Getty

Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina

The second title came eight years later in 1986 and it was a tournament dominated by Diego Maradona. 

He would only score one goal in the group stage before one of his most iconic moments followed against England in the quarter-finals. 

The infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal was a part of his brace that sent La Albiceleste through to face Belgium. 

Another Maradona double secured a 2-0 win against the Red Devils and then Argentina beat West Germany in the final to lift their second world title.

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Messi’s crowning moment could be just around the corner

What does La Albiceleste mean?

La Albiceleste is the nickname for the Argentinian football team in the same way England are referred to as the Three Lions.

Put simply, La Albiceleste means ‘The White and Sky Blue’ in Spanish.

It refers to the colours of the country’s flag as well as the stripes on Argentina’s kit.

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Originally Posted By Talk Sport