Argentina full-back Nicolas Tagliafico has said that winning consecutive World Cup titles — something no team has achieved in the past 64 years — would be a “dream” for the three-time champions.

The South American side are considered among the favourites for this year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, having lifted the trophy in Qatar four years ago under the inspiration of Lionel Messi.

Now 38, Messi has indicated that this will be his sixth and final World Cup appearance. Argentina, however, head into the competition in strong form after finishing top of the South American qualifying standings.

The last team to win back-to-back World Cups was Brazil, led by Pele, in 1958 and 1962. They followed Italy, who claimed consecutive titles in 1934 and 1938.

Speaking to AFP, Tagliafico acknowledged the rarity of such an achievement.

“Only Brazil and Italy have managed it, and that was a long time ago,” he said.

“It’s a dream, just like winning our first one was. But we need to stay focused on the present — taking it one game at a time — because ultimately, it’s the work we do every day that will make the difference.”

‘Enthusiasm’

Argentina may still rely on the core of the squad that lifted the World Cup in Qatar four years ago, but a new generation of talent is beginning to emerge within the team.

Young players such as Como prospect Nicolas Paz, Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, and Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco are among those pushing for a place in the World Cup squad.

Barco’s club teammate Joaquin Panichelli, currently the top scorer in France’s Ligue 1, had also been expected to feature. However, his chances now appear slim after suffering a knee injury in training on Thursday. Reports indicate a possible ACL tear, which could rule him out of the tournament with just three months remaining.

Tagliafico highlighted the balance within the squad, combining experience with youthful energy.

“I think there’s a mix of younger players, maybe less experienced, but full of enthusiasm and a real desire to represent the national team,” he said.

“I have a good feeling about this group, even if at times it might seem like they relax a bit.

“But in competitions like this, the team rediscovers its best level and regains its motivation.”

The Lyon full-back also acknowledged that this year’s expanded 48-team World Cup, spread across multiple countries, will present a very different challenge compared to the compact tournament in Qatar.

“From travel to training bases and match venues, nothing has really been discussed yet regarding the overall organisation,” he explained.

“We know we’ll be based in Kansas City, but beyond that, we don’t know much.

“And with the new format, even a small detail in a knockout match could eliminate you early. It’s a different World Cup, with more teams, and I believe it will be even more competitive.”

Argentina will continue their preparations with a friendly against Mauritius on Friday, followed by another match against Zambia on Tuesday.

They had initially been scheduled to face European champions Spain in the Finalissima in Doha, but that fixture was cancelled.

The defending champions will begin their title defence on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, before heading to Arlington for group matches against Austria and Jordan.