Between 2021 and 2026, Argentina enjoyed one of the greatest eras in international football history. Under Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy before embarking on an unforgettable run that saw them lift four consecutive titles.
The journey began with Copa América glory in Brazil, continued with victory over Italy in the Finalissima, reached its pinnacle by winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and was followed by another Copa América triumph in the United States.
Although the run eventually came to an end with a narrow defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, Argentina's achievements across those five years cemented their place among the greatest international sides of the modern era.
Copa América Final 2021
Argentina 1-0 Brazil
10 July 2021, Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
Argentina's long wait for a major trophy finally came to an end thanks to Ángel Di María's memorable winner against Brazil at the Maracanã.
For Lionel Messi, it was the international title that many believed completed his career, while Lionel Scaloni's young squad showed they had the character to compete with the world's best.
Argentina Starting XI
Finalissima 2022
Argentina 3-0 Italy
1 June 2022, Wembley Stadium, London
With confidence growing after the Copa América triumph, Argentina dominated European champions Italy at Wembley.
Goals from Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María and Paulo Dybala secured another trophy and extended Argentina's unbeaten run heading into the World Cup.
Argentina Starting XI
FIFA World Cup Final 2022
Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens)
18 December 2022, Lusail Stadium
One of the greatest World Cup Finals ever played saw Argentina twice surrender the lead before eventually overcoming France on penalties.
Messi scored twice, Ángel Di María produced one of the finest performances of his international career, while Emiliano Martínez made another iconic save before Gonzalo Montiel converted the winning penalty.
Argentina Starting XI
Copa América Final 2024
Argentina 1-0 Colombia (AET)
14 July 2024, Miami Gardens
Argentina defended their Copa América crown after Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in extra time.
Despite Lionel Messi leaving the pitch through injury, Scaloni's side once again found a way to win, highlighting the strength and depth that had developed throughout the squad.
Argentina Starting XI
FIFA World Cup Final 2026
Spain 1-0 Argentina
19 July 2026
After four major trophies in five years, Argentina returned to another World Cup Final looking to defend their crown.
Scaloni once again trusted many of the players who had delivered so much success, while Lionel Messi made what was expected to be the final World Cup appearance of his legendary career.
Spain edged a tightly contested final by a single goal, ending Argentina's extraordinary trophy run. Although the result was disappointing, reaching another World Cup Final capped one of the most successful periods in the nation's football history.
Argentina Starting XI
A Golden Era for Argentina
From ending a 28-year trophy drought in 2021 to reaching consecutive World Cup Finals, Argentina's achievements between 2021 and 2026 rank among the finest sustained runs in international football.
The spine of Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi remained remarkably consistent throughout the period, while new faces such as Lisandro Martínez and Nico González seamlessly stepped into key roles.
Four major trophies from five finals, and a return to the World Cup Final in 2026, ensured this Argentina team will be remembered as one of the greatest generations the country has ever produced.