Argentina unbeaten run nearing Italy world record streak: When Lionel Messi and Albiceleste might break it

With their latest dominant showing against Honduras in September 2022, Argentina extended its unbeaten streak to 34, the longest active undefeated streak and nearing the longest in international football history.

The run, which began in 2019, has seen the Argentina national side win Copa America 2021, beating Brazil 1-0 in their own country. It’s an impressive run from Lionel Scaloni’s side, and the perfect form to be carrying into November’s World Cup in Qatar. Argentina qualified for Qatar with games to spare due to their impressive form, sealing a spot nearly a year before the tournament finals.

However, despite going unbeaten, they still finished second in the standings for World Cup qualifying. Brazil ended ahead of them, also unbeaten through qualification, but with more wins and fewer draws.

Regardless, avoid defeat against Jamaica on Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Scaloni’s side will have matched the unbeaten runs set by Spain and Brazil with only Italy to catch.

MORE: Group C in 2022 World Cup, featuring Argentina & Mexico

Argentina unbeaten streak at 34 and counting

Argentina’s impressive run of results has included three games against Brazil. Two of those were wins for Messi’s side, including the 2021 Copa America final, and one that ended in a draw. Of five games against Chile, two were wins, while three were draws.

Not included in the unbeaten run is the game against Brazil that was scheduled to take place in September 2021. That game was suspended after a few minutes of play, when Brazilian health authorities took to the pitch after four Argentina players broke quarantine regulations by taking part in the game. Scaloni’s side didn’t let that throw them off however, as they continued their impressive qualifying run.

Longest unbeaten streaks in international football

So it’s still Italy is atop the all-time longest undefeated streak list for now, but it’s possible that Argentina could overtake the Azzurri.

It’s remarkable to see three nations in three different regions achieve these extended stretches of success at virtually the same time. History has shown that this is not such a common occurrence.

The list of longest unbeaten streaks in global football includes some of the world’s great footballing nations, featuring both European and South American powerhouses.

By its own estimation, defending AFCON 2019 champion Algeria was in this elite company though the world body didn’t see it quite the same way.

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The issue of which matches count and which don’t has come up in the case of other teams.

Italy’s record streak in the 1930s, which lasted for over 50 years, discarded a match that the Italians were losing to Austria 2-0 before it was abandoned due to crowd trouble.

What’s controversial about Brazil’s run (1993-96) is that many argue the streak-snapping loss to Mexico should not have counted since it came in the 1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup final with what was practically a Brazil Under-23 team preparing to play in the Olympics.

Removing the three wins and one loss that Brazil suffered in that 1996 Gold Cup, Brazil would have reached 40 games unbeaten before its following full-strength loss. But since FIFA officially counted those Gold Cup matches as senior contests, the loss to Mexico could not be discarded.

Brazil’s case didn’t hold water with FIFA, and Algeria’s didn’t either.

MORE: FIFA disputes Algeria unbeaten streak ended in early 2022

When Argentina could set the unbeaten record

With the streak now at 34, Argentina needs three more matches unbeaten to equal Italy’s all-time record, while four would see the Albiceleste stand alone in history.

With the one rescheduled ‘World Cup qualifier’ against Brazil officially scratched, plus pre-World Cup friendlies against Estonia, Honduras, and Jamaica on the docket, Argentina is currently scheduled to battle for a share of the international record against Poland in their final World Cup group stage game.

That could potentially change should Argentina add friendlies ahead of the World Cup in November.

* Potential World Cup knockout match if Argentina advance