Argentina have won the World Cup twice, in 1978 and 1986. Along with Brazil and Spain, they are the only teams that have won the competition outside their continental zone. They have also won the Copa America 15 times, the Confederations Cup in 1992 and the Olympic football tournament in 2004 and 2008.
Argentina's most capped player and top scorer is Leo Messi. Messi is also the countries current captain.
The national football team are also known by their nicknames, the Albiceleste (the sky blue and whites) and La Seleccion (the selection).
Argentina won their first World Cup in 1978. They overcame Holland by 3-1 after extra time in the final. Mario Kempes scored twice while Daniel Bertoni scored the third, enabling Daniel Passarella to become the fifth captain to lift the World Cup on home soil. Kempes was the tournament's top marksman, with six goals to his name, and the team also picked up the FIFA Fair Play trophy.
They won the World Cup a second time in 1986 in Mexico. Inspired by the legendary Diego Maradona, they defeated West Germany 3-2 in the final, with goals from Jose Luis Brown, Jorge Valdano and Jorge Burrachaga.
The 1986 World Cup is well remembered for the country's historic win over England in the quarter-finals. Coming only a few years after the two nations' war over the Malvinas or Falkland Islands, it was already an emotionally charged match. But when Maradona punched the ball over Peter Shilton's head to score his infamous "Hand of God" goal, the temperature was raised further. Minutes later, Maradona produced a moment of genius, scoring the "Goal of the Century". Picking the ball up in his own half, he dribbled past half of the England team before coolly slotting home. It is widely regarded as the best solo goal of all time.
