4) Argentina
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The biggest fish of the lot, Argentina are two-time World Cup champions (1978 and 1986). However, since the retirement of Diego Maradona, La Albiceleste have won no major international tournament since 1993 – their last Copa America triumph.
While Lionel Messi is a bonafide legend in club football, he strives hard to live up to Maradona’s legacy in the international arena. And he has come so close in the last three years. Argentina have fallen at the final hurdle at the 2014 World Cup and the two Copa America editions in 2015 and 2016, falling to Germany and Chile (twice) respectively.
Messi had even announced his retirement after he was frustrated with the constant criticism but reversed his decision. The players have also boycotted the media in recent games due to “accusations and a lack of respect”.
Now, with Messi banned for four games, Argentina are fifth in the CONMEBOL standings which see five teams separated by just four points. With Brazil’s qualification already secured, only three automatic qualification spots remain while the fifth-placed team will have to go into a playoff. As things stand, with four games to go, that team is Argentina.
| Pos | Country | Pld | W | D | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil (Q) | 14 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 33 |
| 2 | Colombia | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 24 |
| 3 | Uruguay | 14 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 23 |
| 4 | Chile | 14 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 23 |
| 5 | Argentina | 14 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 22 |
| 6 | Ecuador | 14 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 20 |
