Argentina are among the firm favourites to win the 2022 World Cup with Qatar representing a now-or-never situation for captain Lionel Messi.
Messi has been frustrated on the world stage, with the 2014 final defeat to Germany the closest he came to winning the World Cup since his tournament bow in 2006, with 2010 and 2018 representing frustrating exits earlier than he would have hoped.
He ended his long wait for an international trophy as Argentina claimed the 2021 Copa America, but there is a real sense of unfinished business for the 35-year-old.
Argentina are in a strong position to progress, based on a winnable group, but they face huge challenges in the knockout stages as Messi aims for the biggest prize.
MORE: Is this Lionel Messi's last World Cup?
Argentina World Cup odds to win
Argentina finished second behind arch rivals Brazil in CONMEBOL qualifying with Lionel Scaloni's side remaining unbeaten in 17 games.
Their success in the 2021 Copa America was followed up with a 2022 Finalissima win over Italy and they have not lost a competitive match since July 2019.
Here's how Argentina's pre-tournament chances to win the World Cup are shaping up for sportsbooks in several major global territories.
| Territory | Odds to win World Cup |
| U.S. (BetMGM) | +500 |
| U.K. (Sky Bet) | 11/2 |
| Canada (Sports Interaction) | 4.27 |
| Australia (Ladbrokes) | 6.00 |
Argentina World Cup fixtures schedule
Argentina begin their 2022 World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22 in Lusail before a potentially crucial clash with Mexico on November 26 at the same venue. They wrap up their group stage against Poland, in Doha, on November 30.
Argentina have never faced Saudi Arabia before in World Cup action, and they avenged defeat to Poland in the group stages of the 1974 World Cup with a win against them in the second round in 1978.
Battles with Mexico have been more high-profile across the years, with the Albiceleste holding current bragging rights after knocking them out of the 2006 and 2010 tournaments at the last-16 stage.
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Tues, Nov. 22 | Argentina vs. S. Arabia | 5 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Sat, Nov. 26 | Argentina vs. Mexico | 2 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 30 | Poland vs. Argentina | 2 p.m. | Stadium 974 |
Argentina route to World Cup final
Argentina are strongly tipped to win Group C unopposed but Scaloni will not be underestimating the threat posed by Mexico and Poland.
Following their group-stage exit in 2002, Argentina have finished top of their group in three of their past four World Cup appearances.
Round of 16
If Argentina live up to their favourites tag, and top Group C, they will take on the runners-up of Group D, which could be Denmark or Australia.
Second place in Group C sets them up against the winners of Group D, which is likely to be defending champions France.
Quarterfinals
A place in the quarterfinals will likely see them meet the winners of Group A — potentially Senegal or Netherlands — with second place meaning a clash with England, if they finish as Group B top dogs.
Semifinals
Group C winners could mean a huge showdown in the last four, with Germany, Spain or Brazil, but second place could mean a more favourable draw, possibly against the winners of Group F or H.
Final
A place in the final looks almost certain to mean a meeting with defending champions France in Lusail.
Potential knockout round schedule — if Argentina finishes 1st in Group C
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 3 | Round of 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium |
| Fri, Dec. 9 | Quarterfinals | 2:00 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Tue, Dec. 13 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 17* | Third Place Match | 10:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18 | Final | 10:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
*Only in event of defeat in semifinals
Potential knockout schedule — if Argentina finishes 2nd in Group C
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 4 | Round of 16 | 10:00 p.m. | Al Thumama Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 10 | Quarterfinals | 2:00 a.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Wed, Dec. 14 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 17* | Third Place Match | 10:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18 | Final | 10:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
*Only in event of defeat in semifinals
