Four years ago Argentina went home from Russia in a mess. Now they look in the best shape of all the contenders and what a story it would be if Lionel Messi crowned his final World Cup with the trophy.
Lionel Scaloni’s team were unbeaten in qualifying – although they must contest one more replayed dead rubber against Brazil, who they defeated last year to win a first Copa América since 1993 – and overwhelmed Italy in the “Finalissima”.
Is a 36-year duck ready to be broken? The perennial favourites have been in excellent form as usual having thrashed South Korea 5-1 this month before Neymar’s penalty secured a 1-0 win over Japan.
But with Argentina having gained the upper hand over Tite’s side in recent meetings, including in the Copa América final at the Maracanã last year, will Brazil be able to turn the tables and end their 20-year wait for a sixth World Cup win?