#认证创作者专属推广任务 Argentina's World Cup this year, what are the prospects?

A record-breaking match, Messi, at 38 years and 357 days old, set the age record for the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.

At the same time, Messi's total goals in World Cup finals reach 16, tying with Miroslav Klose and ranking him among the players with the most goals in World Cup history.

So, should Messi keep playing until he's 43, and in the 2030 World Cup, break the record for the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history?

Currently, that record belongs to Uncle Mira, who was 42 years and 39 days old when he scored. Considering the remaining two teams in this World Cup group stage are Austria and Jordan.

It's optimistic to predict that Argentina will smoothly advance from the group.

Messi has achieved the feat of qualifying for all official tournaments and championships he's participated in during his career.

Historically, Argentina, when participating in the World Cup, rarely fell out of the top five in team valuation for that edition; they are usually among the top three, especially during the 2010-2016 cycle.

Although they haven't won the championship, their team value has never been inferior, thanks to superstars like Messi, Higuaín, Di María, Agüero, and Mascherano at that time.

Now, Argentina's team valuation has been below the top five globally for two consecutive World Cups, which might also be a historical record.

Just looking at the valuation rankings, the current Argentina team is definitely in an era of relatively thin talent, with players not quite up to the usual standards, which aligns with many people's first impression of Argentina.

But looking at the results—three major tournaments in a row, two Copa Américas and one World Cup—how is this the best period in Argentina's history? Is there justice in this?

If this Argentina team can truly defend their title this time, it will have a profound impact on football.

Because, apart from Italy, it's really rare for a team with such a low valuation ranking to win the World Cup, let alone defend the title. If Argentina succeeds again, team football might be reshaped once more.