Four-and-a-half years ago, Argentina were a mess, in chaos under Jorge Sampaoli, thrashed by Croatia, held by Iceland and eventually torn apart by Kylian Mbappe.
Now, they are Copa America champions, unbeaten in 35 games and have Lionel Messi in his best form in years.
Here’s everything you need to know about Argentina…
Coach: Lionel Scaloni. The former West Ham defender never been a No1 before taking over in 2018 but has brought harmony and balance to a squad in turmoil after Russia.
Captain: Lionel Messi. Chasing the World Cup that would confirm his status as the greatest of all time.
Star player: Taking Messi aside, Cristian Romero - if fit - will be crucial to a side hamstrung by defensive weakness at previous tournaments.
One to watch: Julian Alvarez. The Manchester City youngster is proving his ability to impact games off the bench.
Odds to win: 11/2
World ranking: 3rd
Best thing about them: They have momentum - which will be hard to build with such short lead in to the tournament.
Worst thing about them: Covid and the advent of Nations League means, like Brazil, they are unproven against European sides in recent years.
Their prospects in three words: Messi. Win. Destiny.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
November 22 vs Saudi Arabia (10am)
November 26 vs Mexico (7pm)
November 30 vs Poland (7pm)
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Franco Armani, Geronimo Rulli
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, German Pezzella, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Alejandro Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister
Forwards: Paulo Dybala, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Gonzalez, Joaquin Correa, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez
