6 Reasons Argentina Could Actually Win the World Cup in 2018

Let's be honest: we all kind of want to see Argentina win the World Cup. It's been 32 years since that night at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico where Diego Maradona and Argentina lifted their last World Cup. That was before Lionel Messi was even born. Their struggles in CONMEBOL qualifying might have lowered their chances, but here are ten reasons why you shouldn't write them off just yet:

1. Jorge Sampaoli

Although not a fan-favorite among Argentines, there is no denying his credentials... or just that one credential, really. Jorge Sampaoli showed his managerial ability in 2015 when he masterminded Chile to their first EVER Copa America. He showed he has a winning mentality and can provide big upsets, which is exactly what Argentina needs right now.

2. Nicolas Tagliafico

This one might come off as a bit of a surprise to most, and others probably might not know who he even is, but Nicolas Tagliafico could be the solution to Argentina's left back problem. Last World Cup, Argentina played a young defender from Sporting Lisbon named Marcos Rojo in that role. But since then, he has been playing a more central role at Manchester United and has shown a couple shaky games at left back for them. But Nico Tagliafico seems like the perfect replacement for him on that side of the pitch. Since moving to Ajax in January, he started 15 games: scoring once and assisting twice. These might not seem too impressive, but his defensive stats speak for themselves. This season, he averaged 2.7 tackles and three interceptions per game. This is an unbelievable record considering that the best left back in the world, Marcelo, averages only 1.8 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game. If Sampaoli uses him correctly, he could prove to be a very valuable asset.

3. Paulo Dybala

A name you should probably know if you avidly follow the sport, Paulo Dybala is coming off the best season of his career. Scoring 26 goals and registering five assists in all competitions deemed him good enough to make his way into Argentina's final 23-man squad. Although he plays in a slightly deeper role than Messi did at his age, the comparisons won't stop coming. Nicknamed "La Joya," or "The Jewel," he really has been living up to his name at Juventus. He could be the star for any team in the world, but there's one problem: Lionel Messi. Although fans everywhere drool over the thought of watching them play together, both Messi and Dybala have stated that they have difficulties playing together due to their similar playing styles and the fact that they both occupy very similar positions on the pitch. He could be Argentina's savior if Messi were to get injured, which could prove useful for the so-called "one-man team". But if Sampaoli can find a way to successfully play these two stars together, they'll surely have defenders trembling.

4. Nicolas Otamendi

An instrumental part of Manchester City's destruction in the Premier League this season, Nicolas Otamendi could be the key to the defensive solidity Argentina has been lacking. Playing a total of 51 games across all competitions for the Citizens, he showed what a ruthless and no-nonsense defender he is. His form this season has led pundits to compare him with legendary Argentine defender, Javier Mascherano, and with good reason. With 1.7 tackles per 90 and a passing accuracy of 89.9 percent, he has proven his worth to Manchester City. To put this into perspective, Sergio Ramos averages 1.6 tackles per game and 88.5 percent passing accuracy. Wow. If he can replicate his form for the English outfit with his national team, he can surely provide some defensive stability to Argentina's shaky back line.

5. Lowered Expectations

Of course the expectations are always going to be higher for a team with such a talented group of players—especially Argentina—but this time it is a little bit different. The president of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia, has downplayed Argentina's expectations by saying he is happy with Argentina just reaching the semi-finals. This, combined with some pundits saying Messi does not need a world cup to be the best player in history, can relieve some pressure from the players. After losing two consecutive finals by penalties, most people would say that Argentina's team does not cope well with pressure. Of course, not being able to cope with the pressure might be a bad thing, especially with the majority of the team playing for top European clubs, but the lowered pressure could help them get out of their tough group and get them far along the tournament.

6. Lionel Messi

I'm sorry, I had to mention him. This man's name is practically synonymous with the words "football" and "Argentina." Scoring 50 goals in a season has become the usual with Lionel Messi, and he's gotten there again. Coming off of a season where he finished La Liga's top scorer AND top assister, he is undoubtedly the key to Argentina's success. Scoring 50 goals, setting his teammates up 14 times, and averaging 4.7 successful dribbles per game, Messi is undoubtedly going to light up this World Cup. Aside from the statistics, Argentina's captain has a point to prove. Losing three back-to-back-to-back finals definitely takes its toll on the human mind and Lionel Messi is going to be back for the redemption he deserves. With critics saying he can not become the best player in history without a World Cup trophy and this probably being his last one, definitely keep your eyes on this man.