As we approach the month of November, thirty-two countries around the world are preparing for the biggest event of the year: the World Cup. The favorite to win it all is Brazil, but I believe a different South American team will take the trophy. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has the talent and chemistry to win the 2022 World Cup.

The main reason why I believe this team has such a strong chance of winning it all is because of Lionel Messi. Throughout his career on the Argentine National Team, he has had so many heartbreaking moments, such as his loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final. These losses have plagued his international career, but I believe that trend will stop in November. Not only does he want to change the narrative of his international career, but he also wants to make the most of his last World Cup.

Messi is not the only reason why Argentina has a chance, for the rest of the team also poses a threat to teams such as France and Brazil. Attackers that include Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez, along with Messi, make Argentina scary on the attack. All three of these players proved themselves during their Copa America run in 2021, which resulted in winning the tournament. Not many other international teams have a strikeforce comparable to Argentina’s and even fewer defenses can handle the talent they possess.

Although teams such as Brazil and France are referred to as the favorites, they shouldn’t be. Last summer, during the Copa America, Argentina faced off against Brazil. This game was a piece of cake for Argentina as the team won 1-0 giving Messi his first international trophy. Because of this victory, Argentina was given a spot in the Finalissima where the team faced off against Italy. Italy may not have qualified for the World Cup, but it did win the Euros, which means Italy is the best international team in Europe. Italy topped teams such as Spain and England to claim the win in Euro 2020. When Argentina finally faced Italy, it wasn’t even close as Argentina ran away with the game by winning 3-0 as both Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez put their names on the scoresheet. This win further proved the ability that Argentina has and the capability of beating the best teams in the world.

Before Argentina can think too much about lifting the trophy, the team has to focus on the group stage. All three of these games should be guaranteed wins, but that does not mean that the teams are pushovers. Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland all pose threats to Argentina. First off, Saudi Arabia will be the easiest of the three and should be a good way for the team to ease into the tournament with a win. Afterwards, the team will face Mexico. The Mexican squad has an abundance of talent and will test Argentina because of players such as Hirving Lozano and Edson Alvarez. Lastly, Argentina will play Robert Lewandowski and the rest of the Poland team to close out the group stage. All of these games will be wins for Argentina and will show why this team will win the World Cup.

With the talented roster, I have no doubt that Argentina will win the World Cup; however, only time will tell if that’s true. Argentina’s first match is on November 20 against Saudi Arabia. This game will be the start of an iconic World Cup title.