Road to Qatar: how Argentina qualified for World Cup 2022

A look at how Lionel Messi and Co qualified for the finals in Qatar

HOW ARGENTINA QUALIFED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: October 8, 2020. Argentina 1 (Messi pen 13’) Ecuador 0: Three points to kick-off the campaign thanks to Lionel Messi’s first-half penalty that extended their unbeaten run under manager Lionel Scaloni to eight games. "It was important to start with a win because we know how difficult the qualifiers are and all the matches are going to be as hard as this one," Messi said. Getty

Gareth Cox

Jun 26, 2022

With the Copa America crown safely in the bag, Argentina will now be looking to win the World Cup for a third time.

Argentina defeated Brazil to become South American champions last year, as Lionel Messi finally won a first major honour with his country at the age of 34.

Memphis Depay (L) of Netherlands celebrates with teammate Steven Bergwijn after scoring the 2-0 goal during the FIFA World Cup 2022 group G qualyfing soccer match between the Netherlands and Norway at de Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands, 16 November 2021. EPA / MAURICE VAN STEEN

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It also ended Argentina's 28-year wait for a major trophy, and brought Brazil's unbeaten home record that stretched back more than 2,500 days to a close.

Qualification for Qatar was achieved in style as they finished second in the South American qualifying to Brazil, undefeated in 17 games.

Messi and Lautaro Martinez finished as leading scorers with seven goals apiece, with the former overtaking Pele to become top international scorer in South American football.

There was controversy along the way, though, when their match against Brazil was abandoned in farcical scenes in Sao Paulo last September.

Brazilian state health officials and police, clutching documents, came on to the pitch accusing Argentina players of breaking infringing Covid-19 rules.

Fifa has since ordered the game to be replayed while also handing out fines and suspensions.

In Qatar, Argentina have been drawn in Group C, alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

In the gallery above, you can see how Argentina qualified for the finals that kick-off on November 20. To view the next image, click on the arrows or just swipe if on a mobile device.