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Argentina closes out the year as the No. 1 soccer team in the world

The reigning World Cup champs have been on fire

By Braulio Perez

Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) holds the World Cup trophy as he
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) holds the World Cup trophy as he / Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

This shouldn't surprise anyone. At this time last year, people were still celebrating the World Cup title for Argentina, as Lionel Messi and Co. were able to get the job done. Since then, they've been downright fantastic in qualifying for the 2026 event.

Outside of a loss to Uruguay recently, Argentina has looked brilliant, including a road win against Brazil. Because of this, it shouldn't be a surprise that they're going to close out the year as the No. 1 team in the world.

While Messi has gotten a bit older, goodness, he hasn't lost a step at all. Argentina is ready to try and defend its World Cup title, but first, they'll be focused on defending their Copa America crown - the tournament is all set to get underway next summer.