Defending FIFA World Cup<\/a> champions Argentina are three wins away from successfully defending their 2022 title.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n But as head coach Lionel Scaloni’s side prepare for Saturday’s quarterfinal clash with Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium, the stakes extend beyond simply chasing another trophy (9 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock).<\/p>\n La Albiceleste \u2013 led by Inter Miami CF<\/a> superstar Lionel Messi<\/a> \u2013 are also within reach of two major milestones, adding another layer of intrigue to their quest for the nation’s fourth World Cup title.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Leo Messi leads all scorers at the World Cup. \ud83d\udc10 pic.twitter.com\/IX1zdEzoP7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 7, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Argentina’s repeat bid following their 2022 title would place the reigning champions in some of the sport’s most exclusive company.\u00a0<\/p>\n Only two nations have successfully defended their World Cup titles since the tournament began in 1930.\u00a0<\/p>\n Now, Argentina have the opportunity to become the first nation in 64 years to repeat as world champions. Doing so would add another chapter to Messi and La Albiceleste’s dominance, while placing the Argentines alongside two of the most celebrated dynasties in the international game.\u00a0<\/p>\n Italy<\/strong> became the first to accomplish the feat after defeating Czechoslovakia in the 1934 final, then following up with a 4-2 victory over Hungary four years later. Coached by legendary manager Vittorio Pozzo, the Azzurri also captured Olympic gold in 1936 during a remarkable unbeaten run that stretched from 1935 to 1939.<\/p>\n Brazil<\/strong> joined that club two decades later behind one of the greatest generations in soccer history, taking home World Cup titles in both 1958 and 1962.<\/p>\n A 17-year-old Pel\u00e9 burst onto the global stage during the 1958 triumph over host Sweden before Brazil defended their title in Chile four years later. Although Pel\u00e9 suffered a tournament-ending injury early in the 1962 competition, fellow Brazilian icon Garrincha helped carry the team to a second straight championship, culminating in a 3-1 win over Czechoslovakia in the final.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Rarefied air<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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