Two Years Since Argentina’s World Cup Victory: How Are the Stars Doing?

The football world marks today (Wednesday) two years since Argentina’s national team won the World Cup. Two years since that crazy evening in Doha, Qatar, where we witnessed one of the greatest matches in history, if not the greatest, after the Albiceleste and France drew 3-3 after extra time until Gonzalo Montiel’s decisive penalty brought the golden trophy to the South American nation 36 years after their last victory.

To mark this milestone, we checked where the starting lineup players from that emotional evening are today and their chances of being in the squad for the next World Cup in a year and a half, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Emiliano Martinez: The goalkeeper, who was one of his team’s standouts, still plays for Aston Villa, showing impressive form and still serving as Lionel Scaloni’s first-choice goalkeeper. Last September, he turned 32, so his chances of being in goal at the next World Cup are very high, given that goalkeepers reach their peak even after entering their fourth decade.

Nicolas Tagliafico: During the previous World Cup, the left-back belonged to Ajax, but since then he’s been playing for Lyon in France. In Ligue 1, he still shows good form, remains part of Argentina’s squad, and might well be in the squad despite being 34 by summer 2026.

Nicolas Otamendi: The excellent defender plays for Benfica, the same place he played two years ago during the last World Cup. Next February, he’ll turn 37, and according to reports in Argentina, he’s not expected to be in the squad for the next World Cup. According to reports in the country, he will retire at the end of this season and take a professional role with the national team alongside Pablo Aimar.

Cristian Romero. Unlike his teammate, the second defender who started against France in the final is expected to be in the lineup for the next World Cup. In April, he’ll turn only 27, he plays weekly at the highest levels for Tottenham, delivers consistently, and attracts interest from prestigious clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and others. He’s considered one of Scaloni’s favorite players, and only a surprise would prevent him from being one of the pillars of the Albiceleste again.

Nahuel Molina. The right-back who shared minutes in the previous World Cup with Gonzalo Montiel has been injured in recent months and cannot help Atletico Madrid, but given that he’ll only be 27 in April, the fact that he’s approaching his peak years, and of course being part of one of Europe’s biggest clubs, means he’ll likely be part of the World Cup squad next time.

Enzo Fernandez. The young midfielder came to the previous World Cup as a Benfica player, but immediately after the tournament, especially after being named its revelation, he moved to Chelsea and in the last two years has become one of the most beloved players at Stamford Bridge. This season he’s elevated his game and is helping the Blues compete for the Premier League title, contrary to expectations. Fernandez will turn 24 next month, so barring any serious injury, he’s expected to be in Argentina’s lineup for the next World Cup.

Rodrigo De Paul. Messi’s watchdog plays for Atletico Madrid and has been in excellent form lately. He’ll be 32 at the next World Cup, but given the respect he commands, he too is expected to participate in another World Cup before retiring from international duty.

Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder came to the previous World Cup from Brighton but has since moved to Liverpool and become an Anfield favorite. His performance with the Mighty Reds has been excellent, helping his teammates secure first place in England. Next week he’ll turn 26, and he’s expected to be in the squad and likely the starting lineup in a year and a half as they attempt to defend their title.

Angel Di Maria. After winning the Copa America last summer, Di Maria retired from the Argentina national team. He’s excelling with Benfica this season and according to reports is expected to retire at its end, hanging up his boots after an illustrious career.

Leo Messi. There wasn’t a single football fan who didn’t think La Pulga would retire after winning. For years this was the title he dreamed of, and it seemed clear that after achieving his dream, he would bid farewell to the national team. But speculation is one thing and reality another. Messi, who has been playing for Inter Miami for the past year and a half, is expected to extend his contract with the MLS team soon, and it appears he’s aiming to retire only after the next tournament. He still shows good form, suffers more injuries than before, but apparently has been convinced to continue for another World Cup, even if he doesn’t start every game.

Julian Alvarez. Alvarez came to the World Cup in Qatar as a relatively unknown name but became increasingly significant as the tournament progressed, including scoring a brace in the semi-final against Croatia. Two years ago, he was a supporting player at Manchester City, and last summer he moved to Atletico Madrid and became their biggest star. He’s expected to be in Argentina’s lineup in a year and a half, more mature, more complete, and naturally much more confident.