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BEST TEAM 2023
At the end of 2022, for the third time in their history, the Argentina National Team lifted the World Cup trophy in a dramatic final won against the France National Team: Following a 3-3 scoreline after 120 minutes of intense football, a penalty shootout crowned Lionel Messi and his teammates Champions of the World amid unique scenes in Doha, Qatar. Argentina previously won the world title in 1978 in Argentina, in 1986 in Mexico.
In 2023, Argentina maintained their high enthusiasm as they recorded an almost perfect campaign: 9 wins with no draws and only one loss against Uruguay. In these ten matches, the team scored a total of 23 goals, conceding only two. The reigning world champions can therefore look ahead to the Copa America in 2024 with great expectations - considering also their status as defending champions of the trophy.
Captain of the side, Lionel Messi has continued to show why he is considered one of the most legendary icons in sports, winning the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in his career. 2023 also marked another successful year for Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni: Under his management, La Albiceleste scooped the 2021 edition of the continental tournament - the 47th edition played in Brazil - to become Champions of South America for the 15th time. From then on, they never stopped: the team recorded a streak of 36 consecutive games with no defeats, the second best unbeaten streak established by a national team, surpassed only by that of Italy with 37.
1. ARGENTINA MEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM - Football 666
2. Manchester City Football Club - Football, England 440
3. Spain women’s football national team - Football, Spain 308
4. South Africa men’s rugby national team - Rugby, South Africa 286
5. Germany men's basketball national team - Basketball, Germany 234
6. Hungary women’s sabre fencing national team - Fencing, Hungary 227
7. Real Madrid Club de Fútbol - Football, Spain 175
8. Jumbo Visma cycling team - Cycling, The Netherlands 169
9. FC Barcelona women’s team - Football, Spain 164
10. Turkey women’s volleyball national team - Volleyball, Turkey 149
MAIN PHOTO: Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Win- ner's Trophy alongside his team mates during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match in Qatar.
PHOTO BY CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES