ENESPT

Prime

Prime

When Was Argentina's Prime?

Maradona in Mexico, or Messi in Qatar. Two captains, two World Cups, one endless argument.

Editorial verdict

Our answer

Argentina's two peaks answer different questions. Mexico 1986 is the strongest individual-tournament argument, built around Maradona; Qatar 2022 is our pick as the more adaptable collective, able to change shape and survive several different kinds of match.

Candidate 1

Argentina 1986

The Hand of God, the Goal of the Century, and a World Cup built around one player.

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Argentina

1986

Carlos Bilardo

  • World Cup
90OVR

Starting XI

  • STVALDANO86
  • STMARADONA98
  • CAMBURRUCHAGA86
  • LWBOLARTICOECHEA81
  • CMBATISTA84
  • CMENRIQUE80
  • RWBGIUSTI80
  • CBCUCIUFFO80
  • CBBROWN82
  • CBRUGGERI86
  • GKPUMPIDO84

Candidate 2

Argentina 2022

Messi's tournament. Lusail, penalties, and the ending the story needed.

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Argentina

2022

Lionel Scaloni

  • World Cup
92OVR

Starting XI

  • LWDI MARIA86
  • STALVAREZ86
  • RWMESSI96
  • CMMAC ALLISTER85
  • CDMENZO86
  • CMDE PAUL86
  • LBTAGLIAFICO83
  • CBOTAMENDI84
  • CBROMERO88
  • RBMOLINA84
  • GKMARTINEZ90

Candidate 3

Argentina 2026

Scaloni's current squad. Still Messi's idea — simulate 2026 against 1986 and Qatar.

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Argentina

2026

Lionel Scaloni

88OVR

Starting XI

  • LWMESSI90
  • STALVAREZ88
  • RWNICO80
  • CMDE PAUL84
  • CDMENZO86
  • CMMAC ALLISTER86
  • LBTAGLIAFICO80
  • CBROMERO86
  • CBLISANDRO86
  • RBMOLINA80
  • GKDIBU88

Settle it in the simulator

Argentina 1986 vs Argentina 2022

Open this dream match →

More era debates

Other primes worth arguing about

When Was Barcelona's Prime?Barcelona's modern peak is a three-way argument: Guardiola's first treble, the Wembley tiki-taka side, or the MSN treble. Each season is playable in the simulator.When Was Real Madrid's Prime?Décima in 2014, or the 2016/17 side that won the league and retained the Champions League? Both are in the database.When Was Manchester United's Prime?The 1999 treble or the 2008 Moscow winners with peak Ronaldo. Two different United sides, both legendary.When Was Messi's Prime?Search demand around Messi's prime usually points at Barcelona. These three sides are the main candidates in this database.