An Argentine legend has shared what the Messi-led team lacks to become the greatest in the country’s history.
The debate over the greatest Argentina team of all time has become increasingly heated, largely revolving around the three World Cup-winning teams: the 1978 team under Menotti, the 1986 team with Maradona, and the most recent 2022 champions led by Messi.
Recently, Mario Kempes, the 1978 World Cup winner, shared his views on this issue. In a candid interview with Azz, the former striker said that La Albiceleste under the leadership of Messi still lacked something to be considered the greatest.
Specifically, the 70-year-old legend said: “This team has only won one World Cup. The 1978 team won one, the 1986 team also won one. If they win the next World Cup, I will agree that they deserve that title. But until then, you need to win at least two World Cups to be able to call yourself the best team.”
After Messi’s frank statements about the Argentina national team, Kempes also said that the success of Argentine football is marked by all the stars, not by the achievements in recent years.
He added: “… Football doesn’t just start three months before the Qatar World Cup. This sport has a long history and everyone needs to respect that. The history of Argentine football is written by all of us. It’s not just about the latest chapter.”
Mario Kempes had a memorable World Cup performance in 1978, when he led Argentina to their first World Cup title on home soil. With six goals, including a brace in the final against the Netherlands, he was the tournament’s top scorer and named Player of the Tournament.
Meanwhile, Messi also had a memorable 2022 World Cup. The superstar born in 1987 played in all seven matches, scored seven goals and three assists, and contributed greatly to helping La Albiceleste reach the top of the world for the first time in 36 years.
Currently, Messi has not yet made a decision about continuing to play in the 2026 World Cup to defend the throne with his teammates.
